
Class „i: 

Book .Mq 3 



Copyright N°_ 



COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. 



HEALTH and DISEASE 



A Popular Exposition on 

The Essentials of Health 

The Causes of Disease 

The Care of the Sick and Convalescent 

with Addenda. 

AND ALSO 

AN APPENDIX 

Containing Essays on 

The Gradual Physical Degeneration of the Human Race 

The Causes of the Increasing Occurrence of Childlessness 

And The Principles of Sexual Physiology 



By DR. C. G. R. MOUTOUX 

Surgeon to Lyon Post No. 8, G. A. R. 
Oakland, California 



Published by the Author 
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA 

I905 






1 1905 



Cl 



Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1904 

By C. G. R. MOUTOUX 

In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, Washington, D. C. 

All Rights Reserved 



DEDICATED 

TO ALL EARNEST SEARCHERS FOR SCIENTIFIC REALITY 
AND RATIONAL RESULTS 

Paracelsus says: "That which is looked upon by 
one generation as the probable climax of human 
knowledge is often considered an absurdity in the 
next; and that which is regarded as superstition in 
one century may form the basis of science in the 
next." 

The unconditional acceptance of teachings or 
propositions of so-called authorities has been sub- 
servient to the encouragement of blind following 
rather than reliance upon personal experience and 
rational reasoning. 

Medical science based on practical proofs will 
stand the test at all times. 

dr. Mouroux 



PREFACE 



In offering this work to the public, I desire to state that 
it contains my experiences, observations, studies, and con- 
clusions regarding health, disease, and other relative matters, 
gained in a professional career as practising physician for more 
than thirty years, and that I wish to present the results in as 
plain a manner as may be consistent with a satisfactory under- 
standing; not in a spirit of assumed infallibility, but as ap- 
pealing to the common sense and rational reasoning of an in- 
dulgent reader desiring to grasp the truths the work may 
contain. 

It has been at all times my endeavor to enlighten and 
guide thinking persons, as much as reasonably could be ex- 
pected, to comprehend the true principles of hygiene, the es- 
sentials of health, and measures for the prevention of disease, 
as well as the proper care of the sick and convalescents ; also 
to teach them, when professional aid may be imperatively de- 
manded, that we should comply with our duty in serving man- 
kind to the best of personal knowledge and ability. 

As to my standpoint regarding the principles of hygiene 
and the causes and prevention of disease, I may differ from 
many colleagues, yet I entertain the consolation that time, the 
tester of all things, will finally prove the correctness of my 
conclusions. 

The diverse methods of treating disease have been im- 
partially presented, as it is my thorough conviction that all 
extremes of any special system or method are of very ques- 
tionable value, and that the real merits of any method should 
be freely recognized and made use of in appropriate cases ; 
in other words, we should be prompted to practise at all times 
a rational conservatism, and to secure the fullest benefits of 
any means in maintaining or restoring health, and to be 
guarded against ridiculing principles and methods of treat- 
ment without having given such an impartial, practical test. 
Success may often be attained by combining the doctrines of 

7 



8 Preface 

several systems or methods in appropriate cases, as may prove 
to be most rational. 

In discussing the more common forms of disease, and 
recommending certain simple medication, I do so with the 
assurance that the treatments given have been very successful 
in my hands, and, as the prescriptions do not contain any 
poisonous substances, no harm can accrue from their proper 
use in the hands of intelligent persons, but great benefits 
may be confidently expected. 

The attached "Addenda" may serve the reader to ap- 
preciate the real services of the doctor, and to beware of bold, 
unscrupulous, and unworthy individuals. 

With reference to the "Appendix," containing an essay 
on "The Physical Degeneration of the Human Race," it may 
seem to superficial readers rather exaggerated, yet time will 
verify the correctness of my opinion. 

The essay on "Sexual Physiology," and allied matters, 
seemed to me a fitting subject with which to conclude the 
work; and, while it is not intended to gratify vulgar curiosity, 
specially interested persons will find the subjects presented 
with reasonable plainness to serve its real purpose. 

I can not refrain from expressing the feeling that it would 
be very gratifying to me if members of the medical profession 
should also find in this work matter for deep reflection and 
consideration, and deem it worthy of a careful perusal. 

And it is hoped that my labor may be received in the same 
kind spirit in which it is presented, and that fair criticism and 
favorable reception may be my reward. 

Dr. C. G. R. Moutoux. 

Oakland, Cal., Dec. i, 1904. 



Note. — The author, a German-American, never received any schooling in the English 
language, hence it is hoped that due allowance may be made as to probable imperfections of style 
or expression. C. G. R. M. 



CONTENTS 

PART FIRST 

The Essentials of Health 

INTRODUCTION 15 

CHAPTER I. Rearing of Children 17 

CHAPTER II. School Hygiene 22 

CHAPTER III. Physical Culture 25 

CHAPTER IV. Influence of Education on 
Health and Physical Develop- 
ment 28 

CHAPTER V. Matrimony 32 

CHAPTER VI. Diet and Digestion— Milk, Bread, 
Breakfast Mush, Vinegar, Spices, 

Salt, Water, Coffee, Tea 34 

CHAPTER VII. Clothing 46 

CHAPTER VIII. Occupation and Recreation 50 

CHAPTER IX. Climate and Environment 55 

CHAPTER X. Auxiliaries of Hygiene — Injec- 
tions, Bathing, Massage, Vaccina- 
tion 58 

PART SECOND 

The Causes of Disease 

INTRODUCTION 72 

CHAPTER I. Diversion from Rules of Hygiene. . -73 

CHAPTER II. Imagination and Sensibility". 75 

CHAPTER III. Influences of Locality . : 83 

CHAPTER IV. Influence of Civilization 85 



IO 



Contents 



CHAPTER V. Alcoholic Stimulants — Whisky, 

Beer, Narcotics, etc 87 

CHAPTER VI. Tobacco 89 

CHAPTER VII. Excesses 90 

CHAPTER VIII. Supposed Causes — M osquitoes, 

Hook-worms, Micro-organisms .... 91 

PART THIRD 
Care of the Sick and Convalescents 

INTRODUCTION 102 

CHAPTER I. Nature's Cure 106 

CHAPTER II. Assistance to Nature — Allopathy, 
Eclecticism, Homeopathy, Hy- 
dropathy, Medication^ Imagina- 
tion, Superstition, Suggestion, 

Hypnotism Ill 

CHAPTER III. Common Forms of Diseases — Loss 
of Appetite, Constipation, Diar- 
rhoea, Flux (dysentery), Cough, 
Colic, Cholera Morbus, Headache, 
Indigestion (dyspepsia), Appen- 
dicitis, Rheumatism, Catarr-h, 
Poison-vine Eruption,- Burns arrd 

Scalds, Tapeworm 125 

CHAPTER IV. Specific Diseases— General Re- 
marks, Malaria, Measles, Diph- 
theria, Whooping-cough, Croup, 
Smallpox, Typhoid Fever, Con- 
sumption and Tuberculosis, 

Grippe 148 

CHAPTER V. Proper Care of the Sick 172 

CHAPTER VI. Rules for Convalescents 176 

CHAPTER. VII. Old Age 177 



Contents II 

ADDENDA 

The Physician 179 

The Surgeon 183 

The Obstetrician 187 

The Specialist 190 

The Medical Quack and Pretender 191 

The Medicine Vender 193 

APPENDIX 

An Essay on the Physical Degeneration of the 
Human Race — Introduction, General Observation, 
Prominent Causes, Modern Diet and Cooking, In- 
terference with Nature's Laws, Conclusion 195 

An Essay on the Increasing Occurrence of Child- 
lessness — Introduction, Influence of Modern Cul- 
ture, Increasing Ambition for Celibacy, Indiscretions 
of Modern Matrimony 207 

An Essay on Principles of Sexual Physiology — Gen- 
eral Remarks, Peculiarities of Sexes, Special Points 
of Interest, Co-incident Factors, Sterility 214 



PART FIRST 

The Essentials of Health 



Introduction 

The maintenance of health will at all times con- 
stitute the most important aim, as well as duty, of 
the individual ; not only for his own sake, but, indi- 
rectly, for the welfare of all. Perfect health is de- 
pendent upon the normal functions of the organism, 
as far as physiological activity is concerned. But 
the human organism is a very complex apparatus, 
and many special organs have to exercise certain 
distinct functions and to be in full co-operative har- 
mony with the whole. In other words, each organ 
of the body must take its full share of normal activ- 
ity, in order to keep the whole organism in perfect 
running order and preserve a healthy condition. 

But to secure such a harmonious action in the 
organism, the individual person must submit to the 
laws of nature and obey its imperative demands. 
This compliance is distinctly shown by the instinct of 
people or animals, as the case may be, living wild 
or in a primitive state; while higher civilization 
encroaches upon the inherent free-will power of man 
to satisfy certain desires against such laws. Con- 
sequently, disorders in the organism, as well as ac- 
tual diseases, have resulted. 

There are many propositions presented, regard- 
less of adverse factors, in solving the problem of 
how to secure and maintain perfect health. Yet 
opinions are very conflicting; so I venture to enter 
the arena of friendly controversy to assist in clearing 






1 6 Introduction 

the field for such a high purpose, or at least that 
the result of discussion may arouse public attention, 
and thus avoid errors which, perhaps through igno- 
rance, are often committed. Thus I would inspire 
individuals to avail themselves of every opportunity 
to judge what reforms are necessary to insure the 
possession of good health. 

We will now discuss the most important factors 
in reaching such a desirable result. 



CHAPTER I 

REARING OF CHILDREN 

It must be presupposed that parents have en- 
joyed all the advantages of good health in order to 
realize the expectation of being blessed with healthy 
children, and that it now depends on the proper 
conduct of their further physical and mental devel- 
opment until puberty is reached. 

Beginning with the very birth of the infant, grave 
errors are often committed on the part of parents 
or nurses, in an unnecessary anxiety to provide for 
its well-being. We observe an abundance of cloth- 
ing on hand, to keep the baby warm, as well as an 
overheated apartment, for the same purpose. If 
we reason correctly, we can not fail to be convinced 
that a superabundance of clothing and rooms too 
warm will predispose an infant to many ailments. 
Such results come through forcing unusual sweating, 
and thus drawing too much moisture from the body, 
which should find its way into other channels, espe- 
cially the kidneys and bowels, to secure their normal 
activity; in other words, that the kidneys be enabled 
to eliminate sufficient water from the blood to keep 
in perfect solution the solids that should be passed 
along with the urine, and that the bowels preserve 
a proper condition and free discharge. 

But besides such unduly moist state of the skin, 
the child is liable, on the least change of tempera- 
ture or sudden exposure, to take cold, causing affec- 

17 



1 8 Essentials of Health 

tions of the air passages and lungs (bronchitis or 
pneumonia), as well as bowel complaints, such as 
diarrhoea, or even cholera infantum (summer com- 
plaint). Therefore, let the infant be clad so as to 
secure reasonable protection from cold, according 
to climate and season of the year, and thus, with due 
prudence, to gradually accustom it to outdoor in- 
fluences. 

As first nourishment, the most natural and be- 
coming is, no doubt, mother's milk; but in case there 
should be a positive deficiency, the best substitute 
is cow's milk, if possible from a fresh cow. This 
milk should be diluted with one-fourth to one-third 
of pure water, to which may be added about one half- 
teaspoonful of milk-sugar to one quart of fluid, in 
order to approach as nearly as possible the constitu- 
ents of mother's milk. 

A great error is committed in putting the infant 
to the breast whenever it cries, or is restless; and 
it should be borne in mind that oftener than every 
two hours is not advisable, and later on perhaps every 
three hours, so that one feeding may be properly di- 
gested before another is given. 

To do away with the cradle or rocker is one of 
the happiest of reforms; and when a child falls into 
sleep without such a rocking motion the brain has 
not been unusually irritated; hence a sound and 
greatly protracted sleep is secured. 

Advancing to childhood, probably best after the 
sixth month, should be given more substantial food, 
so as to become gradually accustomed to the more 
common diet of the household; yet, as a rule, meat, 



Rearing of Children 19 

spices, sour and salty foods, must be avoided as much 
as possible. It is in this period that, for convenience, 
infants' foods, such as Mellin's Food, or Horlick's 
Malted Milk, are to be recommended in connection 
with mother's or cow's milk. After the child is nine 
months old, it would perhaps be better to wean it 
from the mother and feed it as above indicated; and 
occasionally light, substantial diet from the table 
may be given with perfect safety, especially foods 
prepared from flour, potatoes, eggs, rice, or sago; 
also vegetables and other garden products, such as 
fruits, berries and beans, may be added. 

Special pains must be taken to avoid overfeed- 
ing, as well as to abstain as much as possible from 
nursing during the night. Once or twice nursing 
during the night is all-sufficient for an infant. 

In case of occasional constipation, bran water or 
fennel tea, with equal parts of sorghum molasses, 
may safely be given in teaspoonful doses every two 
or three hours, merely to produce a laxative effect; 
but real purging must be avoided, except in sick- 
ness where it seems positively necessary. 

If diarrhoea occurs, it should not be checked for 
a day or two, because it is often a sign that nature 
wants to rid itself of irritating substances accumu- 
lated in the bowels ; yet a flannel binder around the 
abdomen, to secure equal temperature, is a very com- 
mendable provision. In addition, if desired, anise 
or weak peppermint tea, with a little blackberry 
cordial, or porridge with some cinnamon tea admin- 
istered at certain intervals, in doses according to cir- 
cumstances and age of child, are often useful. 

In case diarrhoea persists, with stools too frequent 



20 Essentials of Health 

and watery, a very good prescription is the follow- 
ing, calculated for a child one year old: — 

Subnitrate of bismuth, i to 2 drams. 

Tincture of catechu and tincture of cinnamon, 
each 1 dram. 

Syrup of ginger, 2 drachms. 

Peppermint water, J ounce. 

Simple syrup, 1 ounce. 

One teaspoonful every two or three hours, as 
needed. Older children in proportion to age. 

In the event the diarrhoea continues in spite of 
medication, or becomes complicated with straining 
at stool, the discharge of the bowels being very of- 
fensive or mixed with blood and mucus, a dose or 
two of castor oil may be given to clean out the bow- 
els, and then the foregoing prescription administered 
anew. However, should serious symptoms develop, 
it would be better to consult a physician. Diseases 
of older children will be discussed under Part Third, 
in connection with affections of adults. 

As to medication, let us always remember that a 
child is a product of nature, and we should avoid, 
as much as possible, so-called doctoring, but let the 
all-wise nature take care of an infant as its best pro- 
tector and provider. Many hundreds of children 
die annually by imprudent interference with nature 
in attempts to rectify artificially slight and tempo- 
rary disturbances and ailments. 

Another point must be mentioned, that, even if 
medicines are really necessary, children often receive 
doses too large in proportion to their age. 

Let us also always bear in mind that, whenever 
the weather permits, we must grant the child every 



Rearing of Children 21 

opportunity to become gradually accustomed to out- 
door life, so that pure, fresh air may enter its lungs, 
as well as to enable the child to enjoy the pleasures 
of outside surroundings and recreation. Sunshine is 
also very invigorating, but provisions must be made 
to exclude direct rays of the sun from the face, espe- 
cially the eyes, as much as possible. 

There exists in this age a certain craze for bath- 
ing; and while an infant should be kept reasonably 
clean, yet to secure such condition by indiscriminate 
bathing is, at best, not necessary, if not injurious; 
because the delicate skin of the infant may be de- 
prived of its normal natural texture, especially if too 
much soap is used, instead of making gentle friction. 
The lower part of its body, for obvious reasons, 
should be kept scrupulously clean, to prevent the 
discharges from chafing the infant; however, in spite 
of care, should such chafing occur, the best dusting 
powder is lycopodium. It is far better than any so- 
called baby powders, starch, or talcum. 

As the child advances in age, say between one 
and a half and five years, outdoor playing, with due 
discrimination, must be encouraged. The establish- 
ment of kindergartens is an excellent method of 
taking care of children, because, through oversight 
of its conduct, a child gradually becomes accus- 
tomed to observing order, and is gradually prepared 
for entering school. This will lighten the labors of 
a teacher very materially, and also promote the at- 
tention of the child during instruction hours, and 
good behavior outside of the schoolroom. 



CHAPTER II 

SCHOOL HYGIENE 

The necessity of proper ventilation in school- 
rooms is self-evident; yet, very often, not enough 
attention is paid to this indispensable condition. This 
must be attributed to the erroneous supposition that 
children may contract cold; but such fear is more 
imaginary than real. If the precaution is taken to 
avoid strong and direct drafts upon the scholars, a 
very simple and inexpensive method of ventilation 
consists in lowering, at all times, the upper window- 
sashes, more or less, according to the season of the 
year and the temperature of the room. 

It is also a great error to allow overheating of 
schoolrooms, for the purpose of providing comfort 
for the children. We must take into special con- 
sideration that a numerous body of children in a 
single room will themselves supply a considerable 
degree of warmth to the apartment; and if, in addi- 
tion, artificial heat is excessively provided, the air 
will be rendered impure, hence unwholesome, forc- 
ing the lungs to reinhale air which has already been 
given off as impure, together with the excessive heat 
of an overheated room, preventing thus the proper 
cooling of the blood. 

The protection of children from chilliness is all 
that should be attempted by means of artificial heat. 
The temperature in a schoolroom should be between 
60 and 70 degrees. 

Direct rays of sunlight into the eyes of children 
22 



School Hygiene 23 

while reading or writing must be rigidly avoided, 
because it is the most fruitful source of defective 
vision, from the fact that the optic nerve is thereby 
overstimulated and irritated. The pupil will receive 
more light than can be refracted, and defects of 
vision, and even eye diseases, must result. The same 
principle holds good with reference to artificial 
light; therefore, while writing, reading, or executing 
particular work, such as drawing, needlework, and 
the like, at night, the light should always be placed 
at or near the back of children. This rule applies 
with equal force to both sexes. If such precautions 
were taken and strictly adhered to, it would seldom 
be necessary to procure eyeglasses for school children. 
The present fad of wearing glasses to compensate for 
or overcome defects of sight is in many, if not in 
most, instances prompted either by a deceptive imagi- 
nation or for the doubtful purpose of providing a 
lucrative income to so-called opticians or optomet- 
rists, often mere pretenders. In this way, ignorant 
parents are many times taken unawares and simply 
fleeced. I have often urged the discontinuance of 
the practise of wearing glasses, especially on the 
part of children, and have had the great satisfaction 
of noting that, by adhering to instructions with ref- 
erence to regulating the light, very pleasing and sat- 
isfactory results have been achieved. The vision has 
been preserved and improved without artificial con- 
trivances, and the children have been relieved from 
the annoyance of wearing glasses, as well as from 
probable injury. 

A very commendable provision in a schoolroom 
is to have the window-panes covered with a very 



24 Essentials of Health 

thin coat of white lead and bleached linseed oil, 
which will exclude the intensive rays of light. This 
may be supplemented by the use of window-shades 
as a protection against the too strong or too direct 
rays of the sun. 

Immediately surrounding schoolhouse yards are 
also a very necessary acquisition, to provide fresh 
air and outdoor recreation and exercise for children 
in hours of recess. But it must be remembered that 
any kind of amusement should be superintended by 
the teacher, that rudeness and overexertion may be 
strictly avoided; this is essential in order to impart 
real benefit to the children in the way of physical 
development, strength, and elasticity of movement. 



CHAPTER III 

PHYSICAL CULTURE 

In the previous remarks on "School Hygiene," 
the necessity of exercises of various kinds in the 
schoolyards has been especially emphasized. For 
the purpose of cultivating gymnastics systematically, 
special instructors are provided for public schools 
of larger cities, for high schools, colleges, and uni- 
versities. 

From time immemorial various races of people 
have practised physical activity, such as hunting, ri- 
valry in sports, games, or warfare; and civilized 
nations have endeavored to transform such practises 
into a more refined system. And to-day physical 
culture is added to the curriculums of many schools 
as a branch of instruction, in order to favor physical 
development and to secure elasticity of movement, 
as well as to develop bodily strength to best advan- 
tage. 

We find that in rural districts, where children 
are more out of doors, enjoying free country life, 
and, as a rule, are encouraged to assist parents in 
light work about the house or in the garden and 
field, they have all necessary exercise, and do not 
need gymnastic training. Such children are physi- 
cally stronger and healthier than those in cities. 

While physical culture, under a professional in- 
structor, may prove beneficial as a substitute, com- 
pensating in some degree for the many advantages 
country life has to offer, it is a fact that any artifi- 

25 



26 Essentials of Health 

rial substitute can not replace nature's provisions. 
Yet it must be admitted that, if the instructor con- 
ducts such exercises with due moderation and proper 
discrimination, the results achieved may prove bene- 
ficial to scholars, and a drilling exhibition may also 
be pleasing to spectators; therefore, no reasonable 
objection to such practises could be raised; but to 
make these exercises compulsory is going too far, 
and is a great injustice to scholars, as well as to 
parents. And it should be the rule, without excep- 
tion, to secure the consent of parents for their chil- 
dren to engage in such exercises; for we must con- 
sider that children who have to do work at home 
have all the exercise necessary for physical devel- 
opment. 

Attention is also called to the fact that we have 
abundant evidence that in institutions of higher edu- 
cation such exercises do degenerate in athletic sports, 
and that brutal games, such as boxing, football, and 
even prize-fights, as occasions of rivalry for so-called 
championships, are cultivated and encouraged! In 
these exercises it often occurs that bodily injuries are 
inflicted, and, in place of cultivating refinement and 
gentleness of heart, brutality and rowdyism are often 
the result. And, instead of prohibiting such ambi- 
tions, some teachers, very much to be regretted, seem 
delighted and interested in such competitive sports; 
yea, even indulge in such practises themselves. 

Exercises in physical culture on the part of girls 
and maidens may be seriously questioned, for in- 
discriminate demands would not exert a beneficial 
influence on physical development, and the fear of 
disturbing their anatomical relations is not without 



Physical Culture T] 

foundation. This assumption can be verified by 
gynaecologists (woman specialists) in comparing 
city and country girls or maidens with reference to 
displacements and other diseases peculiar to their 
generative apparatus. If, for the sake of exercise, 
as well as pleasure, dancing, riding, playing, etc., 
are customary and indulged in, all necessary physi- 
cal practises are provided. 

It must further be considered that women, in 
their proper sphere of life, have abundant opportu- 
nity, as a rule, for changes of exercise in their daily 
vocation; and by availing themselves of such oppor- 
tunities and usefulness, such exercises will not only 
benefit each individual, but will at the same time 
solve a very important economic problem. Of 
course, females who are indisposed to such useful 
employments, and prefer inactivity of body, may 
very profitably be encouraged in such practises, as 
a substitute for other physical work. Otherwise, 
such individuals would have to suffer the many con- 
sequences of physical inactivity. 



CHAPTER (V 

INFLUENCE OF EDUCATION ON 

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL 

DEVELOPMENT 

Advanced civilization demands from boys as 
well as girls a reasonable school education; at least, 
in the most universal and useful branches, such as 
reading, writing, grammar, composition, orthogra- 
phy, arithmetic, geography, history, etc., as taught 
in the various grades of our common public schools. 
Yet, for the sake of non-interference with the physi- 
cal development of children, a very conservative 
spirit and experienced discrimination should guide 
in teaching. Instructors should at all times be mind- 
ful of the fact that talents and special gifts are not 
equally distributed amongst children. Those with 
superior talents for learning and self-reasoning, pos- 
sessed of a certain degree of ambition, will make 
rapid progress with comparatively light exertion, 
hence no special encouragement on the part of the 
teachers is necessary, as it would often prove injuri- 
ous, if not disastrous, in maiming future mental 
achievements, as well as interfering with normal 
physical development; while less gifted children 
may be gently called upon to prosecute their les- 
sons with more application, and, everything else be- 
ing equal, avoiding rigidity or force, except in cases 
of real laziness and carelessness. There is also an- 
other class of children who are merely averse to 
28 



Influence of Education 29 

learning, not possessing certain talents at all, but, 
at the same time are inclined to be industrious in 
manual work or have a certain ambition for mechan- 
ical art. Parents and teachers should give all en- 
couragement and opportunity to such scholars, who 
are mostly boys, to follow their natural impulses and 
inclination, and not try to divert their minds in at- 
tempts to force attention to artificial learning. 

I desire to impress upon teachers the important 
fact that an unusual effort and exertion in mental 
study will very greatly influence and materially cur- 
tail physical development, especially in weak, deli- 
cate subjects, which, besides damaging a really 
healthy condition, may cause nervous prostration 
and probably premature bodily decay. 

A thoughtful teacher will, therefore, at all times, 
aim to conduct his school with a view to realizing 
the best results of education without interfering with 
the laws of health and the requirements of the phys- 
ical welfare of his scholars. This will, after all, 
prove to be a greater blessing to the individual than 
any amount of forced artificial education. The 
teacher should also bear in mind that extraordinary 
efforts, regardless of talents, to secure a high degree 
of proficiency in learning, must result in a weak- 
ened state of health, nervous prostration, and early 
senility. If such a timely warning be not heeded, 
the sad consequences in the future will prove the 
rationality of the theory here advanced. 

Later on, the developing individual becomes 
further removed from childhood and youth, the con- 
trast becoming more and more pronounced, and this 
fact deserves our most careful consideration; because, 



30 Essentials of Health 

after maturity, children are to replace their parents 
on the stage of action in the world. Therefore, it 
should be our unceasing effort to prepare both sexes 
for entering their proper and respective station in 
life in the enjoyment of full physical strength and 
vigor; the man as a healthy, strong, and useful citi- 
zen, husband, and father, and the maiden a fully de- 
veloped and loving wife, conductor of affairs of the 
household, and a devoted mother. 

But there exists a tendency to obtend and frus- 
trate such an ideal station in life, and the ambition 
is predominating to exert all means and opportu- 
nities to secure a higher education, mostly for the 
purpose of finding positions in easy employments at 
high remuneration. And this applies to both sexes. 
While such ambitions may be commendable, yet, in 
making an impartial analysis of facts, we must ar- 
rive at the lamentable conclusion that thoughtless 
ambition for higher education will finally prove, 
as before indicated, disastrous, as far as health and 
full bodily perfection are concerned, leaving a ripe 
old age out of the question. 

Some young men, without possessing any special 
talents, merely loaf through the schools as a matter 
of fashion, while others exert too much mental force 
in prosecuting their studies; so the former become 
idlers, laggards, or worse, and the latter have so 
crippled their health that the enjoyment of physi- 
cal vigor is out of the question. And such individ- 
uals are rendered unable to perform manual labor — 
an employment far more conducive to well-being 
than any other, besides giving one the gratification 
of occupying a most desirable station in society. 



Influence of Education 31 

Such gratification is denied to idlers, athletes, 
and sports. 

As to maidens, the above remarks have special 
significance, so far as physical development is con- 
cerned; because, in the period of maidenhood, all 
nerve exertion should be as sparingly as possible 
expended, in order that the maiden may enter into 
a robust womanhood, so that the change from girl 
to maiden should not take place prematurely, that 
sexual activity be kept dormant till the proper time, 
and that her future station in life may be entered 
in full physical vigor. 

It is hoped that the foregoing may not be con- 
strued as militating against the higher education of 
females; it is only designed to urge that study be 
so prosecuted as not to hinder full physical develop- 
ment, and that protracted and difficult studies should 
not be prosecuted before at least the seventeenth year 
is reached, and a physically vigorous womanhood 
is assured. 



CHAPTER V 

MATRIMONY 

Matrimonial union is no doubt the most impor- 
tant event in life; for on it depends a happy home, 
contentment of mind, and perpetuation of the human 
race. Careful statistics show that married life is 
far more favorable to the reaching of a ripe old age 
than bachelorhood, if a couple conduct the marriage 
relation in a proper way, according to the laws of 
nature. Therefore, we must not lose sight of the 
fact that disobedience of such laws by either parent 
will influence health, and may be the cause of pre- 
mature senility, or even death. 

Although dealing with a somewhat delicate sub- 
ject, it seems to be a duty not to pass by, but to point 
out, certain errors of misguided and misconstrued 
perceptions. On the part of the husband, there must 
be mentioned excesses, or frustrating completion of 
act for obvious reasons. Such procedure is far more 
damaging to health than is generally supposed; be- 
cause the nervous system has not returned to as calm 
a state as when nature is relieved into proper chan- 
nels, which perversion may lead, in time, to nervous 
prostration, as well as to total impotence, causing 
impairment of general health and premature senil- 
ity. On the part of the wife, as the rather passive 
factor of sexual activity, errors on her part are not 
so apt to be accompanied with such consequences, 
yet the evasion of the laws of nature to prevent con- 
ception, by various methods employed for that pur- 
32 



Matrimony 33 

pose, must result in disturbances and actually dis- 
eased conditions of the sexual anatomy, while the 
destruction of the products of conception by medici- 
nal, mechanical, or instrumental aid will produce 
serious damage to those organs, which very often 
results in immediate death. At best, such a woman 
becomes a lifelong invalid, a burden to herself as 
well as to her husband, devoid of any prospect of 
future happiness. 

A well-wishing and conscientious physician will 
at all times endeavor to caution his patrons or the 
public, and thus strive to preserve life, and not to 
destroy it. On him must be placed the only reli- 
ance for thorough reform. 



CHAPTER VI 

DIET AND DIGESTION 

GENERAL REMARKS 

It has been said by some illusionists that a mod- 
ern kitchen is nearly analogous to a laboratory, and 
that in these days it is necessary to study cooking 
as a science and an art in order to prepare food agree- 
able to the palate, as well as pleasing to sight. The 
most important organ, the stomach, receives usually 
secondary consideration, or never comes in question, 
especially in our country; therefore, we have so 
much dyspepsia, and allied disturbances of that or- 
gan, and, in consequence, faulty or insufficient nu- 
trition. 

As this part of our problem is so very important, 
it deserves special and explicit discussion. Let us 
not lose sight of the cardinal principle that normal 
and sufficient nutrition is not dependent upon the 
quantity or quality of food, but, primarily, on that 
part of it which is properly digested, assimilated, 
and transformed into healthy blood; nevertheless, it 
should also contain considerable matter, which leaves 
a good deal of indigestible residue, through which, 
while passing over the mucous covering of the bow- 
els, serves by its mild friction and irritation to stim- 
ulate that tract to increased action (peristalsis), and 
helps to eliminate such substances as have not been 
desirable nor needed in the organism, and at the 
same time performs a scouring service, cleansing 
the inner coat of the bowels, as it were, keeping the 
34 



Diet and ^Digestion 35 

mouths of absorbent vessels clear to perform their 
proper functions. 

In this connection may also be mentioned the con- 
stantly increasing decay of the teeth; and while, in 
olden times, dentists were unknown, to-day they are 
found in numbers, even in the smallest towns. If 
we look for a cause, we observe that in olden times 
people had a far coarser diet, of very plain constit- 
uents and preparation, while in these days cooking 
has changed remarkably, so that blandness and rich- 
ness is preferred. This is the cause of the decay of 
the teeth, for rough food will keep the enamel of 
the teeth clean by abundant friction during the proc- 
ess of chewing, and the simple constituents of plain 
food are not apt to injure or destroy the enamel. But 
now just the opposite course prevails, and were it 
not for the dentists to at once fill cavities and thereby 
preserve the teeth, people would soon be toothless. 
Such a condition would finally result in a revolution 
in cooking, in order to provide such food as would 
need no chewing; and then the decaying process 
would still more increase, until no dentist would be 
able to rectify the evil except by providing full sets 
of artificial teeth, a very poor substitute for good, 
natural teeth. 

Foods for the purpose of preserving teeth are 
the various kinds of vegetables, fruits, bran, grits, 
or rolled whole wheat, graham bread, etc., which 
are also admirable aids to good digestion. 

It is a great error to suppose that so-called pre- 
digested foods, or medicines taken with a view to 
aid digestion, such as the various preparations of 
pepsin, pancreatin, etc., merely recommended on 



36 Essentials of Health 

chemical theories, are able to correct digestive de- 
fects. As thereby the actual cause of indigestion is 
not removed, the result is always very problemati- 
cal and temporary, hence no permanent cure is 
achieved. 

Another fact worthy of consideration is that a 
great variety of foods, especially of diverse composi- 
tion, at a certain meal, will have a very unfavorable 
influence on digestion. And as such imprudence is 
so customary in this country, especially among the 
more opulent class of people, dyspepsia and stomach 
troubles become prevalent disorders. 

As a general rule, great discretion must be exer- 
cised to avoid overloading the stomach, as well as 
too many so-called courses at a meal, including iced 
dishes, highly seasoned foods (either through spices, 
flavors, or sugar) , ice-water or other such drinks, all 
of which for the moment seem very agreeable, but 
are neutralizing to the normal warmth of the stom- 
ach, and thus interfere with the digestive function. 
The same is true when the stomach is overheated by 
too hot fluids, or by rich meals; it is then impossible 
for that organ to act properly on its contents, and 
to secure normal digestion and the necessary assimi- 
lation of food. 

To assist artificially the process of digestion and 
the action of the bowels, new methods have been 
introduced, such as rubbing, kneading, application 
of mustard plasters, the use of hot water bags, etc. ; 
but all of such aids will not neutralize any impru- 
dence of diet, to say nothing of their annoying fea- 
tures. 

Of great importance, besides the quality and 



Diet and Digestion 37 

quantity of food, is the duty of taking sufficient time 
for meals, so that food may be thoroughly chewed. 
This is an imperative requirement, because prolonged 
movements of the jaws stimulate the salivary glands 
to pour out an abundant amount of saliva, so very 
essential to proper digestion. Prolonged mastica- 
tion also reduces the food to more minute particles, 
which enables the stomach to act properly upon its 
contents — the greatest factor of proper digestion. 

The bad habit of discussing or transacting busi- 
ness or other matters during meal-time should not 
be encouraged, because it diverts the action of the 
nervous system from exerting and developing suffi- 
cient activity towards the digestive organs and tends 
to embarrass their function. Frequency of meals is 
another phase of the subject, and, although it is im- 
possible to be governed by arbitrary rules, yet cer- 
tain considerations will indicate the right course to 
pursue. Occupation and certain habits may modify 
real requirements along this line, yet some principles 
will guide us aright. People who perform pro- 
tracted and hard manual labor require more fre- 
quent meals and a more substantial and nourishing 
diet, in order to fully compensate for wear and tear 
of physical exertion; therefore, such persons may 
safely eat as often as every two and a half to three 
hours daily, or at least three good meals every day^ 
because, owing to such activity of the body, the 
digestive organs are spurred to increased action, as 
a wise provision of nature to sustain bodily strength 
by more frequent meals. 

Persons engaged in light physical work combined 
with mental exertion need coarser and rather stimu- 



38 Essentials of Health 

lating food at longer intervals, and three times a day 
are quite sufficient; while people who scarcely do 
any work, either physical or mental, require but two 
meals a day, as a rule. 

The cardinal rule should guide us at all times, 
that the stomach be allowed ample time to accom- 
plish its functionary work before replenishing. And 
the real feeling of hunger or thirst, as the case may 
be, should be the only proof that previous digestive 
action is completed, and a fresh supply of food called 
for. 

About late meals opinions are somewhat divided, 
but we may reasonably infer that the stomach is 
rather inactive during sleep ; hence the harm of late 
meals, other considerations being equal, is apparent. 
It could not be otherwise than that, during sleep, 
the contents of the stomach undergo a certain de- 
composition, which is rarely the case when in full 
activity. Therefore it is certain that late meals form 
one of the most fruitful sources of digestive disor- 
ders. As a general rule, the last daily meal should 
be taken at least two hours before going to sleep. 

Great caution must also be exercised in the pur- 
chase of foods, because many adulterations are con- 
stantly practised, for the sake of pecuniary gain, by 
unscrupulous producers and manufacturers. And 
national or state laws will never prove as effective 
as expected, a fact which the past has proven and 
the future will further confirm; hence the most re- 
liance must be placed on the competent, careful, and 
reasoning cook and the purchaser of eatables. 

As a safeguard against adulteration, which will 
prove the most effective, is the purchase of such ar- 



Diet and Digestion 39 

tides as come from first and direct sources in their 
natural state, or such manufactured products as allow 
an easy and ready analysis of real constituents ; so 
that adulterated products, such as meats, fruits, vege- 
tables, etc., may enter the kitchen in a pure and fresh 
state. 

We may now very profitably investigate briefly 
the merits of some of the most common and uni- 
versal articles of food, and their proper preparation 
and use. Yet it is not intended to furnish a cook- 
book, but merely to give the principles of food for 
proper meals. 

Milk. — The first nourishment has been, as we all 
know, mother's milk; and during childhood, as well 
as adult life, cow's milk, and the many products de- 
rived therefrom, are extensively used, and justly so, 
because they are the most nourishing and easily di- 
gestible diets for our table. But they should be fur- 
nished in the purest state, free from adulteration, di- 
lution, or preservatives; yet such can only be derived 
from cows properly fed and cared for, especially 
such as are allowed the greatest possible freedom in 
a good pasture, and additionally fed with grass, clo- 
ver, or hay, as also bran and crushed cereals, but not 
with refuse or slop of distilleries or other objection- 
able food. 

Milk from such cows is the most natural nour- 
ishment, and the charge of transmitting tuberculosis 
will never be proven by practical test. It is even 
admitted that the supposed dangerous (?) bacilli 
are rarely, if ever, found in milk. 

The best safeguard against impure milk is the 
strict examination of milk by public inspectors, and 



4-0 Essentials of Health 

we may be confident of procuring purer milk at 
present. 

Bread, as one of the most universal articles of 
diet, is an ideal food, if well baked, and should con- 
sist of whole wheat, rye, or barley flour, whichever 
may be specially prepared; for the reason that such 
flour contains all the nourishing constituents of the 
grain in undisturbed proportion, and, besides possess- 
ing the most nourishing substances, leaves also con- 
siderable residue for elimination, by which a certain 
stimulus is furnished to favor the action of the bow- 
els, a principal factor in cleansing that canal by 
gentle friction. It therefore acts as a most desirable 
laxative and the best safeguard against constipation. 

A wrongly conceived national custom is the serv- 
ing of hot bread, biscuits, pies, cakes, and other pas- 
tries — a custom which constitutes another source of 
indigestion, the reason of which is very apparent, 
as hot foods, on the one hand, are unfavorable to 
digestion, and, on the other, hot breadstufTs agglu- 
tinate in the stomach, preventing its proper action. 

Breakfast Mush is one of the best of foods, and 
can not be too highly recommended, if prepared from 
well-cleaned wheat, oats, or barley; and when merely 
boiled with water and milk, to which may be added 
a small quantity of salt, makes a very desirable diet; 
especially for children, it is considered almost unsur- 
passable. But the bad habit of serving it hot, or of 
adding a certain quantity of sugar, may be pleasant 
for the tongue, but, to a great extent, neutralizes the 
efficiency of such nutritious products. 

For the sake of profit (because the real cost of 
raw material is scarcely one-fourth of the selling 



Diet and Digestion 41 

price), an increasing rivalry has been inspired, and 
the market is flooded with such foods under fanciful 
and absurd names, which are brought to public at- 
tention by extensive and bombastic advertisements. 
Common sense ought to teach us that we should give 
decided preference to food that has a name at least 
analogous to the contents of the package, so that the 
purchaser may know exactly what he is buying, and 
not be deceived by a mere name. 

Meats are, especially in this country, far too 
much indulged in. The manner of preparing is 
also a matter of some importance. Meat, too much 
roasted, loses much of its nourishing qualities, while 
stewed, or fried rare, as also meat soups of various 
kinds, are the most to be preferred. As a rule, once 
a day of meat diet may be quite sufficient. It should 
also be remembered that, while meat of very young 
animals is considered very acceptable, owing to its 
tenderness, it should not be used extensively. As 
to kinds of meat, I think the most healthful is mut- 
ton; next, come fowls, then beef, and, lastly, hogs' 
meat, which should be very sparingly used, if at all 

Meats from cold-blooded animals, such as fish, 
oysters, lobsters, etc., are especially to be recom- 
mended in preference to other meats, and may be 
more frequently eaten. 

The efforts nowadays to encourage a vegetable 
diet seem to me a move in the right direction, and 
it may be considered a bad habit to partake of flesh 
food several times every day, while a vegetable and 
limited meat diet is far more healthful. 

Fruits, when fresh and ripe, may be eaten at al- 
most any time, as they are refreshing, healthful, and 



42 Essentials of Health 

nourishing, especially apples, raw or cooked. The 
practise of eating a ripe apple before retiring is an 
excellent aid to digestion. Of the many varieties 
of fruit, each person must decide which kind will 
best agree with him, and be governed accordingly. 

It is the custom to pick fruits for shipping be- 
fore becoming ripe, to ripen while in transit or at 
the place of their destination; but such practise must 
be condemned, as fruits thus picked are devoid of 
their natural flavor and constituents. Fruits, to be 
the most healthful and pleasant, should be brought 
direct from the orchard to the consumer in a ripe 
state. 

Vegetables are very wholesome, and should be 
far more extensively used than is customary nowa- 
days ; for, besides being nourishing and to some ex- 
tent invigorating, they provide, owing to their fibrous 
texture, a sufficient residue to stimulate digestive 
activity and to favor proper evacuation of the 
bowels. 

Vinegar, if made from fruits, preferably apples, 
is occasionally refreshing, and, under certain cir- 
cumstances, healthful and beneficial, if used in mod- 
erate quantities ; but we must remember that vinegar 
is an acid, and that it is liable to produce overacidity 
of the stomach, which is very detrimental to diges- 
tion. It may also neutralize the normal alkalinity 
of the bile, so necessary for emulsifying fatty sub- 
stance to insure their solubility for assimilation. 
We must not forget that the stomach requires an acid 
and the bowels an alkaline stimulant, for proper 
digestion. 

Spices, such as peppers, mustard, etc., should be 



Diet and Digestion 43 

far more sparingly used than is customary, to avoid 
undue irritation of the stomach, which may so ob- 
tund the sensibility of its inner coat as to change its 
normal texture, thereby destroying, to a great ex- 
tent, the absorbing capacity of that organ, and greatly 
interfering with the digestion. The causes of ulcera- 
tion and cancer of the stomach are readily traceable 
to the irritating influence of the imprudent use of 
spices, as well as to hot and ice-cold dishes, or water, 
as the case may be, in succession. 

Salt, when used in moderate quantities, is not 
harmful, but its indiscriminate use is positively detri- 
mental to the whole organism, and it may be a very 
good practise to occasionally abstain from its use 
altogether. The very bad habit of using unusual 
quantities of salt must in time prove very detrimen- 
tal to the whole system, for it changes the acid of 
the stomach into an alkaline state, and that organ is 
thereby unable to prepare the food for thorough 
assimilation. An illustration of the injurious effects 
of too much salt is shown on alkali lands, where 
scarcely anything can grow, until irrigation, by suffi- 
cient solution, drains of! the surplus salt. 

Water, although not strictly or directly nourish- 
ing, fills a very important part in our daily diet. 
But it should be at all times of the purest kind, free 
from pollution and injurious minerals, and as fresh 
from the source of supply as possible. To test water 
as to its purity, a very simple method is to take a 
piece of soap and wash the hands in the water, using 
plenty of soap. If it makes the water merely turbid, 
it is free from minerals and other undesirable sub- 
stances ; but if the water shows on its surface flocules 



44 Essentials of Health 

of soap, it is not pure, hence not desirable for drink- 
ing purposes. 

But water, if indiscriminately drunk, may be- 
come harmful, and for this reason some general hints 
must be given. Every morning, after rising, a large 
glass of fresh water is salutary to cleanse the stom- 
ach, dilute the blood, and enable the kidneys to sep- 
arate in thorough solution the solid and injurious 
materials from the blood to be emptied into the 
bladder and discharged. The practise of drinking 
hot water is nothing but a fad, and the absurdity of 
such notion is apparent when we consider that any- 
thing too hot or too cold is injurious to the stomach 
for obvious reasons. 

At meal-time, water, or, in fact, any kind of 
drink, should be avoided as much as possible, for 
the reason that it causes an undesirable degree of 
dilution of the gastric juice (stomach secretion) so 
indispensable for proper digestion. Therefore, just 
before, as well as shortly after, meals, water must be 
avoided, while a free use between meal-times, as well 
as at night, will be found always salutary, because 
such practise insures full activity of the kidneys and 
elimination of deleterious substances from the blood. 
Moreover, water is one of the very best blood puri- 
fiers, as it keeps certain solids in the blood in thor- 
ough solution. But the drinking of water in large 
quantities at any one time should not be indulged, 
except in excessive thirst; for it dilutes the contents 
of the stomach and bowels to an undesirable degree, 
and stimulates the kidneys to undue activity. 

Coffee is considered by many people an almost 
absolute necessity in diet; but the idea is very erro- 



'Diet and Digestion 45 

neous, for coffee has no nourishing qualities what- 
ever, and, owing to its active principle, caffein, acts 
only as a stimulating sedative. When it is used very- 
weak (that is, in a much diluted form), it will exert 
no marked deleterious effect on the organism, ex- 
cepting when, in using very large quantities, an 
excessive amount of caffein enters the system. In 
this way either too much or too strong coffee may 
act as a slow poison. 

As there are many very good substitutes for coffee, 
it would be perhaps preferable to abstain from its 
use altogether, and use one or other substitute, such 
as parched cereals, wheat, rye, barley, acorns, chicory 
roots, beets, carrots, and, as the latest, the so-called 
"Figprune," which makes, with milk, a nourishing 
and palatable drink. Any of these are far preferable 
to coffee, being more wholesome, and, at least, con- 
taining no poisonous substance whatever. 

Tea is, also, in some countries, a special favorite, 
and, owing to its peculiar aromatic flavor, is very 
pleasing to the sense of smell, as well as to the taste. 
It is exhilarating to the nervous system, temporarily, 
and is usually followed by a certain relishment. 
However, tea contains no nourishment, and its con- 
tinued or excessive use is very questionable ; yet an 
occasional use of tea can not be considered as injuri- 
ous, and may be safely indulged in by those who en- 
joy the taste. 



CHAPTER VII 

CLOTHING 

Modesty, civilization, as well as climate, require 
a certain protection of the body. It is also under- 
stood that modern society demands certain fashions 
in dressing, because of the almost universal idea 
that in this way the exterior self is presented to best 
advantage (?). While dressing should primarily 
serve the purpose of protection against exposure to 
heat or cold, varying according to climate or sea- 
sons of the year, yet we could not reasonably con- 
demn a dress which fulfils the requirements of util- 
ity and fashion, and, at the same time, is pleasing to 
the eye, presenting the exterior person to supposed 
advantage. But we must at all times be mindful that 
all clothing should be so devised as not to interfere 
with the free movements of the body and the func- 
tions of the exterior and interior organs. And, in 
this connection, special reference should be made to 
the erroneous idea that the bust of females must be 
made prominent by means of a tight-fitting corset, 
or the waist drawn together to an injurious degree. 
In the former, the breasts (mammae) can not de- 
velop properly, the nipples are pressed into the 
glands (breasts), and in time of lactation (nursing) 
a young mother will have to suffer the consequences, 
by having either sore nipples, or, owing to defective 
development of breasts, insufficient secretion of milk, 
quite to the embarrassment of the mother and dis- 
satisfaction of the child. By tightening the waist, 

4 6 



Clothing 47 

the necessary expansion of chest and abdomen during 
breathing (inspiration) is greatly interfered with, 
and the heart and lungs are thereby encroached upon. 

But it is especially the liver that suffers, and 
when this organ is unduly pressed upon its function 
is interrupted, which not only causes an insufficient 
flow of bile to the bowels, but also, by a partial com- 
pression of the bile duct, prevents a free flow of that 
secretion, and thus evaporation takes place, which 
is one of the most fruitful causes of the formation 
of gall-stones. This fact has not been recog- 
nized heretofore, but it is, nevertheless, a rational 
inference. The stomach also suffers by a constric- 
tion around the waist, although, happily, this organ 
is mostly protected by the chest walls (ribs), yet, 
if perfect freedom be not given to that organ, so that 
its normal motion can be properly executed, for the 
purpose of digesting its contents, the result must be 
a more or less deleterious effect upon digestion, 
as also upon the whole organism. And even the 
bowels take part as sufferers from such faulty con- 
striction, that canal being hindered in the perform- 
ance of its physiological function to favor absorp- 
tion of remaining nutriments from the food, as well 
as to secure the elimination of effete matters (stools) . 

Another bad habit must be mentioned — that of 
wearing too warm clothing. And this tendency is 
constantly increasing, through fear of taking cold, 
as the imagination has it, as well as to provide for 
enforced comfort; yet they lose sight of the fact that 
such habit not only effeminates the individual, but 
increases the imaginary requirement of a still more 
abundant supply of clothes. In this way an occa- 



48 Essentials of Health 

sional exposure to draft must consequently induce 
affections of the air passages and lungs, and even of 
the skin and abdominal organs. Therefore, consid- 
erable discretion must be exercised, and effort made 
to become more and more accustomed to atmospheric 
and climatic changes, to increase the power of re- 
sistance, and to withstand such natural influences. 
The cardinal rule should be observed to provide 
such clothing as may reasonably secure protection 
against very cold weather, but always to have in mind 
that it is fully in our power, if the effort is made, to 
become accustomed to such degrees of cold as will 
really be surprising. 

At this stage of the discussion we may mention 
the bad habit of using too light footwear as an illu- 
sion of fashion. As a consequence of compressing 
the feet, so-called corns appear, caused by pressure 
of the skin covering the resistant bony structure of 
the toes, resulting in great inconvenience and an- 
noyance to the individual. There are many corn 
cures on the market, yet simple cerate, applied sev- 
eral nights, followed by soaking the corns in hot 
water for some time, will effectually remove the diffi- 
culty, and the use of commodious footwear after- 
wards will generally prevent a return. 

The custom of wearing gloves and veils unneces- 
sarily must be questioned; yet if used for the purpose 
of protection against unusual influences of tempera- 
ture, they are permissible. But it must be specially 
emphasized that hands and face should never be 
denied the natural beneficial influence of exposure 
to the atmosphere. 

In concluding this part of our discussion, we 



Clothing 49 

must not omit to mention the bad habit of wearing 
hats or caps for the greater part of a day. Such a 
custom prevents perspiration of the scalp, and keeps 
it from partaking of the beneficial atmospheric in- 
fluences. Such a bad habit is a most fruitful source 
of baldness, which is found almost exclusively 
amongst males. It very rarely occurs amongst fe- 
males, for the simple reason that women, as a rule, 
in their everyday life, do not use any headwear; so 
the logic of the foregoing conclusion is apparent. 
That a live plant (and the hair is no exception) 
needs atmospheric nourishment, as well as that de- 
rived from the soil — in this instance, the cuticle, or 
skin (the scalp) — for proper growth, is an admitted 
fact; hence we should leave our heads uncovered as 
much as possible. 



CHAPTER VIII 

OCCUPATION AND RECREATION 

Industry, commerce, and science provide for re- 
munerative employment in greatest variety, and 
while the rather primitive races employ their time 
in hunting, fishing, or rude agricultural pursuits, to 
provide for the necessaries of life, as well as indulg- 
ing in sports, often of rather a brutal character, as 
a means of recreation and pleasure, or in warfare, 
such ambitions are quite different from the require- 
ments of the laborer and mechanic, in factories, 
mines, and other places of industry, or of persons 
engaged in other pursuits, who are often denied the 
benefit of pure air and necessary rest, and have to 
face many disadvantages. Besides suffering the loss 
of natural opportunities, they meet casualties and 
accidents of various kinds, which either predispose 
them to disease or bring upon them ailments not 
known to our forefathers; or, worse, to suffer often 
real want, either through lack of employment or 
insufficient compensation in comparison to the very 
necessary means for maintenance. As a result, their 
natural lives are shortened, as they are in so many 
ways subject to premature death. 

While such a state of affairs is very much to be 
regretted, yet it seems almost impossible to radically 
change such a condition for earning a livelihood 
on the part of millions of workers in modern civili- 
zation and society. Nevertheless, it is our sacred 
duty to make the greatest possible efforts toward so- 

5° 



Occupation and Recreation 51 

cial reform, for the betterment of those who occupy 
such stations in life, so that a more philanthropic 
and unselfish spirit may prompt owners of factories, 
mines, or other places of industry, voluntarily to 
provide for the better care of employees, instead of 
being forced by legislation, or by the organization 
of labor societies, that laborers may secure their due 
share in the production of wealth, as well as enjoy 
the best possible hygienic benefits. In this way these 
important classes may share at least equal opportuni- 
ties in the enjoyment of life, health, and recreation. 

While it is deplorable that many workers are 
forced to accept very unsanitary places for employ- 
ment, the effort to better such conditions is often 
neutralized by an increasing ambition on the part 
of young men and young women to leave the coun- 
try and farm and join their fellow-workers in cities. 
They make the change for the supposed betterment 
of their condition, hoping thereby to secure larger 
pay and easier work, as well as to have more oppor- 
tunity for the pleasures and amusements of city life. 
They lose sight ®f the fact that farm and country 
life has many advantages for securing good health, 
and, through this means, a prolongation of life to 
a ripe old age, which cities can rarely offer. 

On the other hand, we must recognize that work- 
ers in employments other than agriculture are in- 
dispensable in providing many necessities and com- 
modities of life ; also that this class of workmen are 
the principal purchasers of farm products, which 
aids in rendering agriculture profitable, and that 
their station in life ought to be made as comfortable 
as possible. 



52 Essentials of Health 

Occupation in close quarters, as well as in a pos- 
ture devoid of bodily exercise, necessarily must pre- 
dispose the individual to, or directly cause, diverse 
ailments and diseases ; and, as many disadvantages in 
that respect can not be removed, such persons should 
pay particular attention to the quantity as well as 
quality of their food, in order to avoid constipating 
tendencies, as well as to provide for daily healthful 
exercise. And all persons who, in their vocations, are 
denied exercise in the open air, should seek all avail- 
able opportunities to secure such exercise, even to a 
moderate degree of fatigue; although persons per- 
forming hard manual work need all the rest possible, 
to enable them to gather strength for renewed exer- 
tion. 

We also must condemn child labor, which, under 
fourteen years of age, at least, should be strictly pro- 
hibited, for the very obvious reason that, by such 
early employment, the proper physical and mental 
development of children is almost impossible. Their 
health is injured to such a degree as to frustrate the 
prospect of their attaining full physical vigor. And 
it can not be otherwise than that such weak and 
emaciated children, on arriving at maturity, when 
they must occupy the place and assume the same du- 
ties as their parents, will, through such physical and 
mental shortcomings, influence more or less, also, 
their offspring. And such cause and effect must con- 
tinue from generation to generation, to final destruc- 
tion of the race. 

But while the premature and unhealthful em- 
ployment of children exerts such deleterious influ- 
ences, entire idleness and rich food may, on the 



Occupation and Recreation 53 

other hand, under certain circumstances, produce 
equally sad results, though probably in another form. 
So the rich must suffer for their indiscretions, and 
the poor be punished undeservedly for the faults of 
a wrong economic system. 

While persons performing manual work need rest 
of body, mental workers must provide not only for 
rest of the brain, diverting their thoughts to matters 
outside of their sphere of everyday thought, but 
should indulge in physical exercise, even to a point 
of fatigue, so that the physical organism of the in- 
dividual may receive its share of stimulation. In 
this way the necessary rest is secured for renewed 
exertion. As a mental worker is generally confined 
to the apartment of his study, he must secure cer- 
tain hours to be separated from such close quarters, 
in order to enjoy outdoor influences and fresh air to 
the fullest possible extent. 

Coming back to mechanical laborers, it is impera- 
tively demanded that they enjoy a change of scenery 
from everyday life, to indulge in reading useful 
works, to post themselves on questions of national 
economy, and reason out principles for themselves, 
so that their brains may become stimulated for deeper 
thought and a full comprehension of matters of vital 
importance outside of their sphere of daily useful- 
ness. Such change is just as valuable to them as the 
enjoyment of physical exercise to brain workers. 
But all workers, physical as well as mental, require 
an occasional recreation. It should be a vacation, 
where, severed from daily labors, nature and its 
beauties, as well as plain country life, may recuper- 
ate the individual in a wonderful degree. But it is 



54 Essentials of Health 

very much to be regretted that often one's means will 
not allow such beneficial recreation; hence other 
available sources have to be sought that will com- 
pensate to some degree for such unfortunate circum- 
stances. It must be emphasized that the most uni- 
versally available day is the so-called Sunday; a day 
for rest, to suspend all weekly employment and en- 
joy a deviation from usual labors, so that the physical 
and mental powers may be enforced and refreshed 
ready for renewed exertions. 

It is impossible to give abstract rules as to what 
should constitute rest, recreation, and amusement; 
and while, as has been said, manual labor needs rest 
of the body, and mental labor rest of brain, the 
former should, as a rule, enjoy all amusements not 
dependent on physical exertion, and the student, as 
a matter of course, ought to be able to reason out 
that which is best adapted to his requirements. 

Now, it is a fact that people in rural districts, 
owing to rather meager education, hence inability 
to do much mental work, are, as a rule, far more 
robust and healthy, and better developed physically, 
than city inhabitants. However, we are not justi- 
fied in attributing such advantages to mere country 
life, but we do say that a certain degree of inactivity 
of the brain favors physical development; and it 
is very obvious that persons engaged exclusively in 
mental work could not be expected to be as robust 
and healthy as those doing moderate physical work 
in connection with occasional mental exertion. 



CHAPTER IX 

CLIMATE AND ENVIRONMENT 

The influences of climate upon health and longev- 
ity, and the advantages of various environments in 
securing the same, are manifold. For instance, it 
is a fact that, as a rule, we find people in rather cold 
climates, as well as those living in moderately high 
altitudes, enjoy better health and attain a greater 
age than people residing on lowlands. Especially 
where swamps and ponds with stagnant water 
abound, the population suffers much from malaria, 
dysentery, and typhoid fever, until such lands are 
properly drained and tilled; in other words, until 
the cause of such troubles is removed. And this is 
especially true of such localities situated in tropical 
climates, where evaporation is almost constantly ac- 
tive. And, besides malaria, the development of yel- 
low fever in many such sections is an occasional re- 
sult. 

While it is impossible to change a climate, yet 
we must secure to the population as healthy a condi- 
tion as possible, and at least avail ourselves of such 
means as are at our command for securing the best 
health of such community. These means embrace, 
as has been said, perfect drainage, thorough ventila- 
tion, and the best possible drinking water. 

In most prairie regions the absence of forests or 
horticultural garden trees, perchance also bad drink- 
ing water and piercing winds, favor diseases of the 
lungs and air passages; and pneumonia, asthma, and 

55 



56 Essentials of Health 

catarrhal affections may be contracted, if persons 
unwittingly or unnecessarily expose themselves to 
such influences. 

Very high altitudes favor a certain form of anae- 
mia, by producing impoverishment of the blood, 
owing to a defective quantity of oxygen in the at- 
mospheric air; yet people may become accustomed 
to such climatic conditions and be compensated in 
a manner beyond our present conception. 

A very changeable climate is also, under cer- 
tain circumstances, deleterious to perfect health, for 
the reason that precautionary measures can not be 
adopted; yet the individual who, by reason of ra- 
tional thought, takes advantage of favorable oppor- 
tunities, will be duly rewarded by a proportionate 
enjoyment of good health. 

It is a fact that extreme tropical climates favor 
an early maturity, as well as a corresponding earlier 
senility, also a disposition to lewdness and laziness. 
But we know that certain nations, from infancy, be- 
come rather accustomed to the extremes of climate, 
while it would require years — if not sooner disas- 
trous to life — for newcomers to acquire immunity 
from such special influences. 

While it is almost impossible for the majority 
of people to seek such locations as may be most favor- 
able to health, owing to financial or other obstacles, 
yet, in taking advantage of the most important points 
herein mentioned, cautious and thinking readers may 
derive much benefit. 

Of course, those in more favorable financial cir- 
cumstances can avail themselves of special advan- 
tages, and can seek and follow the advice of their 






Climate and Environment 57 

family physicians as to the selection of climates and 
so-called health (?) resorts; yet I would caution all 
against sudden extremes of temperature or altitude, 
and advise that a rather gradual change is to be 
preferred ; otherwise, a radical change may prove 
more disastrous than beneficial. 



CHAPTER X 

AUXILIARIES OF HYGIENE 

GENERAL REMARKS 

It is the imperative duty to ourselves, as well as 
to society, to call into service all rational means des- 
tined to prevent disease. As we have, in the fore- 
going chapter, discussed natural influences as factors 
in securing and maintaining health, we may now 
profitably inquire into other measures for acquiring 
the same end. 

Let us at all times be mindful that the all-wise 
nature endeavors to correct any disturbance in its 
organism, and manages her affairs in a most won- 
derful manner. And if individuals would adhere 
to natural principles of hygiene, the powers of na- 
ture will be successful in securing and maintaining 
a healthy state of the system. But it is very much 
to be regretted that thoughtless and meddlesome per- 
sons believe themselves called upon to teach nature 
a lesson, and to interfere with nature's efforts in a 
very doubtful and often harmful manner, through 
which just the opposite effect is produced; so that, 
instead of securing health, a weakened or even dis- 
eased condition results. 

To make this more apparent, it will be very 
profitable to discuss various antique and also some 
modern procedures in detail. The most universal 
are the following: — 

Injections. — The most used is an injection for 
the lower bowel, called enema, for the purpose of 

58 



Auxiliaries of Hygiene 59 

relieving constipation and to unload the rectum. 
While it can not be denied that, occasionally, such 
procedure may be indicated, yet a reckless or con- 
stant use of the injection for that purpose may be 
injurious; if a proper diet were adhered to, nature 
would attend to that function in the natural and 
more efficient manner, which is far preferable. 

Another delusive method is that of Hall, consist- 
ing of flushing the lower and middle large bowel 
(colon) with great quantities of water, under the 
irrational theory of forcing the colon and rectum 
to unload themselves of their contents. This method 
is lauded, and sold on certain confidential condi- 
tions at a high price, and also under the condition 
that it be used only by the purchaser. Common 
sense will teach us that any unusual dilation of the 
bowels must relax their muscular structures, and, in 
time, an atony, or a weakened, relaxed condition 
takes place, interfering with nature's effort to exert 
her natural force. If persons would adopt a proper 
diet, as has been previously advised, injections would 
rarely, if ever, be called for. 

Another use of injections is that practised by 
some females, on the supposition that it insures the 
utmost cleanliness. This bad habit is becoming 
more and more prevalent, while the fact is lost sight 
of that at each injection the vagina becomes deprived 
of its mucous covering, which tends to change the 
delicate mucous membrane. Such injections should 
only be used by order of the physician. It is a fact 
that women who never resort to such a course sel- 
dom suffer from female troubles. 

Bathing, for the purpose of favoring good health, 



60 Essentials of Health 

is becoming a universal custom amongst all classes 
of people; but its real benefits are greatly exagger- 
ated. While, for the sake of cleanliness, an occa- 
sional bath serves a good purpose, yet the extreme 
of taking a bath every day is a very delusive prac- 
tise. This reckless use of the bath robs the skin of 
its natural secretion and velvety structure, especially 
when soap is too freely used, which absorbs the fatty 
natural secretion, and deprives the skin of an indis- 
pensable constituent. 

To prove the real absurdity of indiscriminate 
bathing, let us inquire into the habits of rural popu- 
lations, where very old people are found, who never 
have taken a bath at all, save the occasional washing 
of the body, a mere ablution to cleanse it when really 
necessary. That those people are, nevertheless, more 
healthy, and, as a rule, attain a greater age than city 
people, must be admitted. The only exceptions may 
be in cases of filthy surroundings, where causes for 
certain skin diseases exist. Yet one must be sur- 
prised to witness in what filth and unsanitary sur- 
roundings people often enjoy a remarkably good 
state of health and live in perfect contentment; which 
facts certainly furnish food for deep reflection. ' Of 
course, cultivated people will not in the least sanc- 
tion such a course, but will rightly adhere to perfect 
cleanliness of the body. But I wish to lay special 
stress on the principle that cleanliness should be se- 
cured with as little bathing as possible, in order to 
preserve the integrity of the skin. 

Massage is another method for the purpose of 
stimulating the muscles to high (?) normal activity, 
and it is practised even as a therapeutic agent. It 






Auxiliaries of Hygiene 61 

simply consists in manipulating the muscles by 
kneading, rubbing, pressing, etc. ; yet the greatest 
benefit that is derived from it is in the imagination 
of the supposed virtues. Otherwise it is void of any 
rational and positive benefit, excepting in some spe- 
cial diseased conditions. 

Vaccination, as a preservative of health and pre- 
ventive of smallpox, has been practised since Jenner 
introduced it, in 1776, and has been lauded as a 
great discovery. Yet he was led only by an imagi- 
nation that milkmaids who milked cows that had a 
pustular eruption on their udders similar in appear- 
ance to the eruption and vesicular arrangement of 
the smallpox in man, would not contract that dis- 
ease; hence they must have been protected by that 
influence. Jenner, on the basis of such supposition, 
reasoned that, if virus from the pustules on the udder 
of the cow were brought in contact with an abrasion 
of the skin of the hand, by scratching or scarifying 
artifically and transferring such virus, a certain pro- 
tection would be secured. Later on, in some coun- 
tries, it became the custom to take the lymph (virus) 
from the vesicles of children who had been pre- 
viously vaccinated with the virus (lymph) of ani- 
mals (bovines). But the use of such so-called hu- 
manized lymph has been discarded, for the reason 
(notwithstanding the most healthy children were se- 
lected for that purpose) that hidden (?) specific 
diseases, such as syphilis, gonorrhoea, scrofula, etc., 
were probably transmitted along with the virus to 
other children so vaccinated, and that, owing to 
such supposed infection, very sore arms, and even 
death, had followed. Therefore, up to the present 



62 Essentials of Health 

time, only vaccine virus taken from the udder of 
the cow or heifer — animals kept solely for the pur- 
pose of artificially producing such vesicular erup- 
tion on their udders — is used. But, in spite of such 
precaution, sore arms were occasionally encountered, 
so the ingenuity of manufacturers who were loath 
to lose such a lucrative business, invented the ster- 
ilized (?) glycerinated virus, to make the sales still 
more remunerative. 

Now the cleverness, if not worse, of such ingenu- 
ity must be apparent, if we consider for a moment 
"sterilized lymph." Sterilizing means purifying; 
the rendering of infection impossible; but how such 
a lymph, considered as a "virus," can produce an 
infection, or, in other words, transfer the virus of 
pox pustules to others, in a disinfected state, goes be- 
yond my modest personal conception. 

Of somewhat recent date, there has been pre- 
sented another supposed cause of certain specific 
diseases, especially of malaria and yellow fever — 
that is, through the stings of mosquitoes ; or, to make 
the matter plain, a mosquito that stings a person 
suffering from either of those diseases is supposed 
to transfer the specific poison (?) to healthy per- 
sons, who thereby contract such diseases. 

Now, let us attach rational reasoning to such 
proposition, and we must come to the conclusion 
that, if such a poison as is supposed to lurk in malaria 
or yellow fever can be carried by a sting to healthy 
persons, then the virus used in vaccination ought to 
produce smallpox, instead of preventing it; this is 
certainly a rational inference. On the other hand, 
if vaccination would be a protection against small- 



Auxiliaries of Hygiene 63 

pox, the sting of a mosquito, as a carrier of a spe- 
cific virus, ought to be a protection against malaria 
or yellow fever, and not be the means of producing it. 

Vaccination has been enforced by legislation, in 
some localities, prompted by a supposed philan- 
thropic inspiration on the part of the profession, for 
the purpose of protecting the community against the 
ravages of smallpox, and boards of health have in- 
sisted that, at least, school children must be vacci- 
nated as a condition of their attending school; and 
we all know that it is the anxious ambition of parents 
for their children to acquire as complete an educa- 
tion as possible. This compulsory method has 
proved very effective, and, at the same time, very 
profitable to some members of the profession. In 
order to support such a procedure, statistical tables 
were prepared — of course, by the doctors, as the pro- 
moters — to prove the efficiency of vaccination ; yet, 
in spite of it all, many fair and very conservative 
physicians of prominence denounce vaccination in 
the severest terms; and I indorse all arguments ad- 
vanced against such a measure. 

Now, any reasoning person should be able to 
perceive that cowpox can not be identical with hu- 
man smallpox; and, besides, the former is rarely 
found as a natural consequence on the udders of 
cows, excepting when, as has been mentioned, arti- 
ficially produced from cow to cow, and so is kept 
going indefinitely for the sake of benefiting the 
purses of manufacturers. Smallpox in man appears 
on almost the entire surface of the skin, especially 
on the face, neck, or arms; yet it very rarely appears 
on the breasts (mammae) of females, while, in the 



64 Essentials of Health 

cow, only the udder is so affected. Now, if the 
lymph of both cow and human be identical, animal 
virus should produce smallpox in man; yet such a 
thing never happens. But smallpox patients do in- 
fect persons who come in contact with them; pro- 
vided, however, that certain predisposition to that 
disease exists; and, almost certainly, the fear of be- 
ing infected acts as the greatest factor in transmit- 
ting that disease to many individuals. 

It is a fact that persons who never had been vac- 
cinated have acted as nurses of smallpox patients, 
yet did not contract the disease; while others who 
had been successfully vaccinated did contract it, in 
such a malignant form as to lose their lives. Many 
persons not vaccinated at all have escaped the dis- 
ease, although belonging to the same family as those 
afflicted, and attending them while sick; which 
proves that those persons were not susceptible to 
smallpox. 

Many physicians advance the theory that the 
power of protection exhausts every seven years, al- 
though unable to give a rational reason for such as- 
sertion. 

On the other hand, we find individuals whose 
organism rebels against such procedure; in other 
words, 'Vaccination does not take." Therefore, I 
would be rather inclined, everything else being equal, 
to suppose that such persons were positively not sus- 
ceptible to the disease. 

It is also true that thousands of physicians who 
know, or, at least, believe, vaccination to be a mere 
fad, vaccinate either as a source of income or to 
gratify the wishes of patrons, or to comply with the 



Auxiliaries of Hygiene 65 

requirements of the law, but, at the same time, would 
be much delighted to see such requirement repealed. 
Others, of course, are doing their best to have pres- 
ent provisions enforced, believing sincerely and 
conscientiously in the theory of positive protection; 
hence they practise vaccination for the safety of the 
population against smallpox. Another important 
matter is that of establishing a correct diagnosis, 
which often requires the counsel of a consultant, or 
a health officer. For it is a fact that some skin erup- 
tions resemble very closely the appearance of small- 
pox, and it has happened that a quarantine was or- 
dered for a certain case which proved to be a be- 
nign pustular skin eruption; but it had the effect 
of frightening a whole neighborhood, who were 
then more than willing to submit to vaccination or 
revaccination. This proved to be a very clever and 
remunerative accident. It is hoped that this antique 
procedure may ere long be discarded as an irrational 
measure, and the public will have reason to give 
due credit to rational, thinking physicians, who have 
exerted their influence for such a result, because of 
an earnest solicitude for the physical welfare of the 
people. 

Following are opinions from prominent doctors 
concerning the question of vaccination, taken from 
Natur Heilwissenschaft (The Journal of the Science 
of Natural Healing), May 1, 1901, and translated 
from the German : — 

Dr. Schlegel, of Altenburg, writes, "Vaccination 
is a horror to natural science!" 

Dr. August Wilhelm Koenig exclaims: "Vacci- 
nation with cowpox is a horrible crime against all 
humanity!" 
5 



66 Essentials of Health 

Dr. Rittinger, of Stuttgart, also declares vacci- 
nation a crime against humanity — u a national calam- 
ity." 

Dr. Bolle, of Aachen, writes, "Compulsory vac- 
cination is the apex of medico-sanitary aberration!" 

Professor Hamernik declared in the Bohemian 
Legislature at Prague, "Vaccination is a blot on med- 
ical practise!" 

Dr. Mertens, of Berlin, says, "The lymph of vac- 
cination is suds (filthy fluid) ; the supposed protec- 
tion a humbug." 

Dr. Succo, of Crailshaim, says, "Vaccination does 
not protect against smallpox; on the contrary, the 
human system receives the poison of pox; the protec- 
tion is, in my eyes, the commonest gypsy lie." 

Dr. Collins, an English vaccination expert, who, 
during a period of twenty-five years, vaccinated 
thousands of children, makes the following confes- 
sion: "If I should tell but the third part of the 
miseries of the victims of my own vaccinations, the 
public would be amazed at such atrocities!" 

Dr. Weiss, of Neuenburg, exclaims, "I ought to 
be hung on the highest tree in the forest as a pun- 
ishment for my crimes of vaccination which I have 
committed amongst the people!" 

The director of the pesthouse at Wieden, in Vi- 
enna, Dr. Lorinser, one of the highest authorities on 
this subject, considers vaccination "the remnant of 
Asiatic superstition!" 

Such verdicts should dissipate any reasonable 
doubt as to the efficiency of vaccination. 

Public Supervision of Health. — In almost every 
state, county, or city, boards are created for the pur- 



Auxiliaries of Hygiene 6 J 

pose of maintaining a healthy condition of the pop- 
ulation, and to provide for the prevention or limita- 
tion of contagious or infectious diseases. And it 
must be admitted that such efforts should receive the 
highest praise, if prompted by an unselfish and 
philanthropic spirit, for the purpose of securing a 
good state of health. There are also attached to 
such boards, especially in the larger cities, so-called 
scientific experts, as, for instance, a bacteriologist, 
analytical chemist, veterinary surgeon, inspectors for 
dairies, and of milk or foods for common consump- 
tion, besides a number of persons to disinfect prem- 
ises, etc., etc. 

Bacteriologists will examine samples of suspi- 
cious diphtheritic deposits, the sputum of tubercu- 
lous patients, evacuations, and other matters con- 
nected with typhoid fever, etc., to confirm a first 
diagnosis. Yet such reports are not considered as 
final, or as positive proof of a correct diagnosis; but 
are merely recommended to be taken into considera- 
tion in connection with more positive clinical evi- 
dences. Hence an experienced diagnostician will 
base his judgment rather on pathognomonic (posi- 
tive) symptoms as best guides for a correct diagnosis 
and treatment. 

At this point it seems proper to discuss briefly the 
latest illusory theory evoluted from the brains of 
theoretical pathologists who maintain that all, or 
most all, diseases are caused by a specific bacillus, 
or germ, and make the heroic effort to find a bacil- 
lus for such diseases that has not been found as yet, 
in order to have their names glorified among such 
illusionists as Pasteur, Koch, Behring, Klebs, Loff- 
ler, and others. 



68 Essentials of Health 

Time will confirm my conviction that nothing 
could be more irrational; for the absence of bacilli, 
as has been admitted, would not disprove the pres- 
ence of a certain specific disease; while, as is also 
admitted, the presence may give negative results in 
some cases, and a diagnosis must be sustained by 
other clinical evidences. Yet the true rationale must 
be sought in the fact that bacilli are only found in 
rather advanced diseased conditions, hence can not 
be considered as the primary cause of any specific 
disease, but as the effect of such conditions. 

It may be mentioned that, perhaps owing to san- 
itary regulations and inspection of premises, conta- 
gious diseases, especially smallpox, diphtheria, etc., 
have remarkably decreased; but whether this fact 
can be solely attributed to the labors of boards of 
health, or that it is the consequence of more enlight- 
ened civilization in observing cleanliness, may re- 
main an open question; while consumption, or tu- 
berculosis, is decidedly on the increase, owing to the 
many errors of diet, hygienic defects, and the life 
of modern society; and all efforts to lessen the oc- 
currence of these diseases have been, in spite of all 
energetic measures of boards of health, very unsat- 
isfactory. 

I have given all these matters very careful study 
and consideration for years, and have arrived at the 
conviction that many sanitary laws, ordinances, or 
other regulations, have proven of questionable value; 
in fact, some of such measures have fallen deserv- 
edly into ridicule, on the part of physicians as well 
as the people. The warning of doctors and the pub- 
lic of the great danger of infection may prove to 



Auxiliaries of Hygiene 69 

some extent appropriate, but there is no doubt that 
no irrational extreme ever can accomplish any good 
purpose. 

Arbitrary or compulsory measures, which may 
be justly questioned and regarded as really unneces- 
sary or irrational by many doctors, may frighten 
the general public to some extent for some time, but 
will eventually be replaced by common-sense rea- 
soning, and will, if not sustained by the family physi- 
cian, lose their supposed beneficial influence. 

Perhaps the most effective, and, at the same time, 
a very inexpensive, plan, would be for each mem- 
ber of the medical profession to become a voluntary 
health officer and assistant to boards of health. If 
all would unite in educating the people in the mat- 
ter of living properly, advising them as to what pre- 
cautions are necessary either for the purpose of 
maintaining health or for preventing the occurrence 
and spreading of contagious diseases, a most ines- 
timable service would be rendered to a community; 
and the principle would be established that man is 
not born for disease, but for health. 

If such an ideal could be realized, it would 
perhaps be a great discouragement to a multitude 
of aspiring young men who desire to enter the med- 
ical profession, as indicating that so many physi- 
cians are not needed; but the health officers would 
have the gratification of being the most unselfish and 
philanthropic members of society, and would de- 
serve the highest honor in any community. 

Disinfectants. — For the purpose of rendering ex- 
pectorations, evacuations, and a poisoned atmosphere 
innocuous, or harmless, such medicinal substances 



yo Essentials of Health 

are used as are supposed to destroy germs, bacilli, 
or other micro-organisms. 

Such a precaution could not be reasonably con- 
demned, were it not for the very poisonous nature 
of most substances which, owing to their cheapness, 
are available for such a purpose. Such substances, 
as carbolic acid, corrosive sublimate, and others, 
besides giving an odor very disagreeable to all, will 
often annoy patients more, when used in the sick 
chamber, than the actual disease. Therefore, free 
ventilation is far superior as a disinfectant, being 
also cheaper and pleasanter. The disinfection of 
the expectorations of consumptives, and the dis- 
charges of typhoid patients may properly be prac- 
tised yet to frighten people unnecessarily can not 
be justified. Discharges from the bowels should be 
immediately removed from the sick chamber, to 
avoid the inhalation of unpleasant odors, as well as 
for the sake of cleanliness. 

I never have known the expectoration of con- 
sumptives or the discharge of typhoid subjects to 
be so highly contagious as has been assumed; but, 
to overcome any possible doubt, and to observe clean- 
liness, all such materials should be destroyed, or 
rather burned, instead of being thrown on the sur- 
face of yards or gardens to become a disgusting 
sight. 

But the necessary disinfection must be left to the 
discretion of the attending physician, or board of 
health. 



PART SECOND 



The Causes of Disease 



Introduction 



We have seen in the foregoing part what con- 
stitutes the essentials of health, and that any devia- 
tion must act as a cause of disease or ailment; and, 
while it may be almost impossible to strictly adhere 
to all hygienic principles, yet we should strive to 
approach as nearly as possible to perfection, and be 
guided rather by common-sense reasoning and nat- 
ural laws than by elaborate scientific propositions 
or theories. 

It is a fact that most earnest efforts have been 
made to solve the important problem of what really 
causes disease; hence it is not at all surprising that, 
in the absence of positive proofs, many suggestions, 
illusions, suppositions, and theoretical speculations 
have been advanced; and it is really surprising that 
even highly educated persons have been made to 
believe the most absurd fancies of scientific specu- 
lators as to the real causes of disease. For the pur- 
pose of assisting in clearing such subjects of all mys- 
tery, this effort is undertaken, based on experience 
and practical reasoning. 



72 



CHAPTER I 

DIVERSION FROM RULES OF 
HYGIENE 

It must be admitted as an undeniable fact that 
any serious deviation from the true laws and prin- 
ciples of hygiene must not only produce disorders 
in the organism, presenting themselves primarily as 
functional disturbances, but also result finally in 
organic diseases. 

To make the foregoing remarks more apparent, 
we must reflect on the principles laid down in Part 
First regarding the essentials of health, and we read- 
ily understand that, for instance, a wrong diet will 
produce a variety of disorders and diseases, such as 
dyspepsia, indigestion, constipation, diarrhoea, stom- 
ach and liver troubles, as well as, indirectly, piles 
and fissures of the rectum. 

The kidneys will also suffer, if sufficient fluid is 
not conveyed to the blood, through which those or- 
gans would be enabled to eliminate, in necessary 
solution, all deleterious solids from the system, and 
to return the remaining purified blood into the gen- 
eral circulation. 

Insufficient clothing, or careless exposure to 
drafts or very inclement weather, will produce bron- 
chial or pulmonary (lung) affections, leading often 
to serious complications. 

Any imprudence, or excesses of any kind, as has 
been previously mentioned, will cause a great vari- 

73 



74 The Causes of Disease 

ety of disturbances, which it will be impossible to 
mention in detail in this brief discussion. We must 
therefore confine ourselves to the discussion of some 
rather extraordinary causes which have not as yet 
received deserved consideration. 



CHAPTER II 

IMAGINATION AND SENSIBILITY 

As modern refinement increases, the sensibility 
of impressions of individuals becomes more and 
more apparent, so that often very slight incon- 
veniences inspire a thought of serious ailment. 
And we can hear, almost every day, especially 
among persons rather favorably situated, such an- 
swers to questions as these: "O, I am not quite 
well;" "I have such distressing feelings;" "My 
heart hurts me so;" "My stomach is entirely out of 
order;" "I have such a headache;" "I feel so 
awfully weak;" "I am so nervous;" "I am totally 
prostrated;" "I fear a very severe sickness will be- 
fall me;" and other like complaints. 

Now, most of such complaints can safely be 
traced to oversensibility, or to imagination; for, as 
a rule, it is the thought (suggestion) that prompts 
such exclamations. We know, also, that fright, 
worry, anger, and other emotions are capable of 
producing almost any manifestation of disease or 
ailment, as also more or less severe disturbances of 
the nervous system, even up to a degree of insanity, 
or disorders which may finally end in serious com- 
plications. 

If there exists a strong will to disperse all such 
thoughts of supposed misery, reinforced by perfect 
contentment of mind and body, a most wonderful 
influence will be exerted on the system, and will do 
more toward diminishing the causes of disease than 

7S 



76 The Causes of Disease 

almost any other agency, and, at the same time, prove 
far less injurious than meddlesome doctoring and 
strong medicines. 

Dr. Emmet relates the following three very in- 
teresting and instructive cases, confirming the cor- 
rectness of the remarks previously made in this 
article : — 

"Several years ago, I was sent for to see a young 
married lady, residing in the western part of this 
state, who had been a helpless invalid and confined 
to her bed for some frvt years. I made my exami- 
nation about 9 o'clock in the morning, but with 
great difficulty, on account of her apparent feeble- 
ness. In fact, she would have deferred the examina- 
tion, on account of her condition, had it not been 
that great importance was attached to my visit, which 
had been unavoidably postponed several times on 
account of my business. I was surprised to find no 
uterine difficulty, excepting a slight degree of retro- 
version (backward bending of the womb), and the 
organ rather lower in the vagina than natural — cer- 
tainly nothing to keep her in bed, as there was not 
the slightest tenderness to be detected by the finger 
at any point. 

"I was puzzled to decide as to what course to 
pursue, for I was satisfied that if any local disease 
ever had existed, it had gotten well without her 
being aware of the fact. I felt that it was necessary 
to get her out of the bed, without the mortification 
of knowing that no local disease existed, and that I 
would fail if she were told the true condition. It 
was Sunday, and I was obliged to remain until night, 
awaiting the arrival of the train ; it was in the coun- 



Imagination and Sensibility JJ 

try, and in the midst of a snowstorm; there were 
some eight hours at my disposal, and I determined 
to devote the day to her case, and see what could be 
accomplished by force of will, after gaining her con- 
fidence. 

"I first entered into the fullest detail of her past 
history, but could elicit from her little more than 
monosyllables. I then branched into literature, sci- 
ence and the arts to the fullest extent of my knowl- 
edge. But at the end of two hours I had apparently 
made no impression, and was almost in despair of 
being able to find any subject of common interest 
to us. At length a casual remark about autographs 
promised better, for I learned that in the garret 
there was stored away a collection made by her a 
number of years before. I had it hunted up, and 
soon found that I was making progress. I gradu- 
ally got her interested sufficiently to induce her to 
rest on her elbow, and tell me all the particulars as 
to who the local celebrities were, and under what 
circumstances each letter had come into her posses- 
sion. 

"After I had steadily talked for more than two 
hours, and she for three, we had become the best of 
friends, and I began to think of getting her up to 
dinner. I suddenly asked, 'Are you not now relieved 
of that feeling of great pressure from which you 
have suffered so long?' With an expression of sur- 
prise, she said, 'Why, yes; entirely so.' 'That is just 
as I expected,' I remarked ; 'so we will send for your 
maid to get you ready for dinner, since you are not 
going to let your husband and myself dine alone 
when you are so much relieved.' 'Doctor, are you 



78 The Causes of Disease 

serious? Do you think that I can get up?' 'Cer- 
tainly, I know that you can; and for what purpose 
did I come from such a distance but to relieve you?' 

"I had her limbs thoroughly rubbed, had her 
dressed, and then assisted her into dinner. She oc- 
cupied a seat alongside of me, and I exerted myself 
to the utmost to keep her interested and to keep the 
conversation from flagging. After the lapse of half 
an hour I saw that she was too much exhausted to 
remain up any longer, although she was making 
every effort. She remained lying on the sofa for 
an hour or two, and then, at my suggestion, walked 
with the aid of her maid up and down the entry for 
a while, 'to test what I had done.' 

"When I left the house for the train, she waved 
a farewell to me from her bedroom window. Two 
weeks afterwards she walked into my office in New 
York, and has since been well." 

"About eight years ago, a young unmarried 
woman was brought to me from one of the New Eng- 
land States, through the advice of Dr. Wm. H. Van 
Buren, of New York. She was moved on a stretcher 
with great difficulty, and had been confined to her 
bed for some four years. She had indeed become 
a skeleton in the house, from the amount of atten- 
tion she required, as she was unable to feed herself 
or move without help, and would only sleep at night 
with the gas burning brightly, and with some mem- 
ber of the family to sit up with her. Moreover, she 
was so willful that, to annoy those in charge of her, 
she would sometimes deliberately have a movement 
of the bowels or empty her bladder in bed. When I 



Imagination and Sensibility 79 

attempted to examine her, she persisted in keeping 
her limbs rigid and straight; she would not answer 
a question, and lay with her eyes shut. By watching 
the expression of her face, I judged that every por- 
tion of the vagina was painful on pressure, and yet 
I was not sure but that she was enjoying a little spite- 
ful pleasure in misleading me. 

"I, however, could detect nothing wrong, except 
that the uterus was rather larger than natural, and 
very much anteverted (inclining forward). The 
father, mother, and aunt, and several members of 
the family were anxiously waiting to hear the result 
of my investigation. They had come prepared to 
spend the winter and to be on the spot while the 
patient was under treatment. This circumstance em- 
barrassed me more than the condition of the patient, 
but I quickly determined on the course to be fol- 
lowed. I told the father that I had found out the 
difficulty, but it was necessary that I should not enter 
into any further particulars; and, to enable me to 
carry out my plan, he and his family must return 
home by the next train, and without taking leave of 
the daughter. If they would do this, I felt certain 
that I could cure her; but, if unwilling, they must 
seek the advice of some one else. As I went on, at- 
tending to my business, they remained staring at me 
in a state of surprise and indignation, and did not 
make up their minds as to the course to pursue until 
the last moment before time to take the train. 

"I went up to see the patient soon afterwards, 
and found her lying with her eyes closed, as I had 
left her. I remarked, 'Well, you are now fairly in 
the hands of the Philistines, for your father, mother, 



80 The Causes of Disease 

aunt, and all of them have returned home without 
even bidding you good-by, and I have now got you 
entirely in my power.' I saw that I had made an 
impression, but she soon recovered her self-posses- 
sion. I told her all in the house were but part of 
a machine, with no thought beyond carrying out 
my instructions. That I was a very devil when 
roused, and bade her look at me well, and see if she 
did not think I was fearfully in earnest. 

"I noticed that her eyelids slightly parted, as 
curiosity tempted her to see if I was really what I 
represented myself to be. I continued, and stated 
that as long as I had my own way I was as gentle 
as a lamb, but I would give her fair notice that she 
would live to regret it if she ever deviated from 
my instructions. 'To-morrow,' I said, 'at 10 o'clock, 
I will begin to see the patients in my office, and you 
must be dressed at that time. I will call for you, 
and if you are not dressed, I will play the lady's 
maid, and with no light hand, for it will be a very 
busy part of the day with me. I shall remove that 
nightgown, and put on your flannel undershirt,' etc. 
I then slowly enumerated, in order, every article of 
a female dress I could think of, even to a napkin. 
This was too much for her, and she opened her eyes, 
saying, 'You are a brute, sir!' 

"I directed that her meals should be placed 
alongside of her bed, that she might feed herself, 
but I believe she ate nothing. She was told that, 
until she became civil, she would be left to herself 
as far as possible. At 9 o'clock her gaslight was 
turned out, and she was heard sobbing several times 
in the night, as the nurse passed back and forth in 



Imagination and Sensibility 81 

the passage-way. In the morning, I learned from 
the nurse that she evidently intended to brave it out, 
and that nothing whatever could be done for her. 
At 10 o'clock I entered her room, but her courage 
had failed her at the last moment, on hearing my 
footsteps, and she was wildly trying to pull on a 
stocking under the bedclothing. 

"I saw at a glance that I had conquered. I spoke 
to her kindly, bade her lie down, and said that I 
was glad to see that she had made up her mind to 
help me, and, as she was still fatigued from the jour- 
ney, she could rest until the next day, but that then 
she must be up. 

"During the day she was quite friendly with the 
nurses, and the next morning I found her dressed 
with their aid. I gave her my arm to assist her to 
the elevator, helped her into the office, and made a 
most satisfactory examination. She remained for 
half an hour on a sofa in the parlor, and then I al- 
lowed her to return to her room. In a few days she 
was out riding in a carriage; soon she was able to 
walk out, and at the end of a month she returned 
home, well. She became very much attached to me 
in a few days, and I never had a more tractable 
patient. The treatment consisted in hot-water vagi- 
nal injections, and several applications of iodine over 
the whole vaginal canal. She was also well rubbed 
twice a day from head to foot, had all the fresh air 
and sunlight she could get, and some medicines to 
regulate her bowels." 

"Two years ago, a lady from the South came 
under my charge who had been confined to her room 



82 The Causes of Disease 

about six years; that is, since the birth of her last 
child. She was not bed-ridden, but had suffered 
after her confinement from so much pain and bear- 
ing down, when on her feet, that she had gradually 
fallen into the habit of an invalid. She would sel- 
dom remain in bed all day, but would be partially 
dressed, when she felt so disposed, and then lie on 
the bed or sofa in a wrapper. To the surprise of her- 
self and friends, my first prescription was a hoop- 
skirt and a black silk morning dress, to be made in 
the latest fashion. I insisted on having these pro- 
cured before doing anything else, and as I found 
out that she had never worn a hoop-skirt I looked 
forward with great interest to its beneficial effect. 

"By my direction she was dressed in full one 
morning, but I believe the hoop-skirt was not a suc- 
cess, because of the difficulty in arranging it as she 
lay on the bed. But I confiscated the wrapper, and, 
as if by accident, had her left alone. My anticipa- 
tions were fully realized ; for, on going into the room 
shortly afterwards, I found that her curiosity had 
conquered, for she was in front of a looking-glass 
observing the general effect, and arranging her hoop- 
skirt. I had also ordered a fashionable style of bon- 
net to be purchased, which was then put on, and she 
was sent out for a drive before she had time fairly 
to realize the situation. Having thus once broken 
the spell, the treatment of her case progressed rap- 
idly." 

These cases show conclusively the power of im- 
agination in certain persons, and that confidence in 
a physician will often do more for a patient than 
any other means. 



CHAPTER III 

INFLUENCES OF LOCALITY 

We have already seen, under the heading of "Cli- 
mate," that certain localities have special advantages 
pertaining to health, and this is also true with ref- 
erence to causes of disease. And we observe that 
certain diseases only occur in special localities, hence 
have to be attributed to local causes, such, for in- 
stance, as a bad atmosphere, which, being inhaled 
by the lungs, enters the blood stream. We also find 
that evaporation and combustion in low, swampy 
lands develop miasma, causing many forms of 
malaria, such as intermittent and remittent fevers, 
as also a variety of complications, as typho-malarial 
and bilious fevers, which render the primary disease 
less amenable to appropriate treatment. 

It can not be shown that there is any other cause 
of such fevers than the evaporation of obnoxious and 
miasmatic gases, which penetrate the atmosphere 
and enter the system by inhalation (inspiration) and 
produce such powerful phenomena as chills, high 
fever, and sweating, in various degrees of severity. 
But while these three symptoms constitute a typical 
case of malaria, and clear any doubt of proper diag- 
nosis, yet it must be remembered that one or two of 
such pathognomonic (certain) symptoms may be 
wanting, yet the success of specific treatment will 
clear any possible doubt. 

It is also true that the reasonable explanation of 
such facts sustains the supposition that circumstances 

83 



84 The Causes of Disease 

may cause certain accumulations of such poisonous 
influences in the blood to excite the outbreak of an 
attack of malarial fever and such principal compli- 
cations as have been mentioned. The fact that the 
evaporation of miasmatic poisons is the exciting cause 
of malaria is proven by the entire absence of such 
diseases in low, swampy lands in more northern cli- 
mates, where combustion and evaporation are un- 
known. 

But it is also a fact that there exists in some in- 
dividuals a certain predisposition, or susceptibility, 
to certain specific diseases ; yet the majority of 
people are really immune, and therefore escape the 
ravages of malarial disease. In other words, a 
poisoned atmosphere may not be injurious to one 
individual, and yet seriously affect another, accord- 
ing to susceptibility. 

Now, that malaria is very rarely found in 
higher altitudes or very temperate climates, proves 
also the correctness of the theory here presented con- 
cerning the source from which such diseases are con- 
tracted. 



CHAPTER IV 

INFLUENCE OF CIVILIZATION 

There is no doubt that many diseases can be 
traced to modern refined living, or, in some in- 
stances, inadequate nourishment in proportion to re- 
quired exertion in providing maintenance. When 
we consider that, amongst primitive races, scarcely 
any diseases prevail, it is apparent that the higher 
the degree of civilization, the more prevalent are 
a variety of so-called modern diseases. 

It may be argued that early history tells us about 
the occurrence of so-called pestilences and malignant 
skin affections ; but such epidemics must be traced 
to the crowding together of numerous individuals in 
inadequate quarters, and living in very unsanitary 
surroundings. It follows, then, that the enjoyment 
of the utmost freedom by any people, and the fol- 
lowing of natural or instinctive methods for the 
maintenance of life, must be the best safeguard 
against disease. 

We must also consider that artificial or forced 
interference with nature's laws concerning the human 
organism, on the part of physicians, surgeons, obstet- 
ricians, or the individual patient, is the cause of 
many disturbances or actual diseases which never 
would have occurred if any such meddlesome prac- 
tise had not been indulged in. 

Another comparison may be permitted, namely, 
that, owing to common custom and economy, domes- 
tic animals are kept on plain, simple food; and it 

85 



86 The Causes of Disease 

must be admitted that disease amongst such animals 
is far less prevalent than amongst human beings, 
notwithstanding that owners often brutally, and 
without consideration, abuse such animals, causing 
them to suffer, in addition to which they are often 
subjected to real want on account of carelessness on 
the part of keepers. Now, wild animals, owing to 
their entire freedom to follow natural instincts, 
rarely become sick, and, if such should be the case, 
nature would rectify any disorder. 



CHAPTER V 

ALCOHOLIC STIMULANTS 

The principal kinds for ordinary use are whisky, 
wine, cider, and beer in various forms. The drink- 
ing of certain stimulants has developed into a real 
habit in some countries, and is considered a neces- 
sity ( ?) . A moderate daily use has, perhaps, no spe- 
cially deleterious effect on the organism, and this 
is especially true in reference to wine, cider, or beer, 
but can not be sustained as to alcohol or whisky. 
And even small amounts daily, so-called tippling, 
are, in proportion to habit or idiosyncrasy (suscepti- 
bility) , accountable for more or less disturbance and 
actual disease. It is said that there exists a note- 
worthy relationship between incidents of alcoholism 
and insanity, venery, and crime, but such conclusions 
seem to me somewhat exaggerated. But it is a fact 
that the excessive or constant use of alcoholic liquors 
may favor degeneration of certain organs, especially 
the liver, stomach, and kidneys, and cause affections 
of the nervous system, such as melancholia, delirium, 
and even epilepsy or insanity. And it is probable 
that alcohol may increase a tendency to rheumatism 
and gout; but that it should favor infection, I have 
never been able to substantiate. Whisky slaves also 
often use pure alcohol, and children of drunkards 
are known to inhale gasoline for the purpose of in- 
ducing intoxication. Whisky would probably best 
be discarded altogether for everyday use, and merely 
used occasionally, or as medicine, when indicated, 



88 The Causes of Disease 

and a great many disorders could thus be prevented. 

Beer, wine, cider, and such like drinks, contain- 
ing a very small percentage of alcohol, never will 
do harm if used in moderation, but they may finally 
form a bad habit. It is evident that when beer is 
excessively used, it is apt to produce fatty degenera- 
tion, especially of the heart; while wine and cider 
have rather the opposite effect, giving a certain de- 
gree of buoyancy and delight, to prosecute severe 
studies. Yet, after all, I would advise the youth not 
to acquire any such habit, as by a good, nourishing 
diet all such drinks can be dispensed with. 

We also must mention in this connection the 
opium, morphine, cocaine, caffeine, chloral, ether, 
chloroform, canabis indica or absinth habits. The 
excessive use of these things must result in physical 
as well as mental impoverishment, and is liable to 
produce a greater variety of diseases than any other 
cause, and finally reduce a person to a physical 
wreck, ending in premature death. 



CHAPTER VI 

TOBACCO 

We must now turn to another article, the use of 
which is a bad habit, and that is, tobacco. It would 
be better to abstain from its use entirely, either smok- 
ing, chewing, or snuffing, yet moderate smoking^ 
especially after meals, may not be injurious. But 
an excessive use will produce diseases of the heart, 
nervous irritability, disturbance of digestion 
(through constant spitting), impairment of vision 
(usually of both eyes), and even total exhaustion. 
The worst form is cigarette smoking, which has 
brought many a bright young man to an early grave. 
In some cases it causes consumption, and, after lin- 
gering along a shorter or longer period, the victim 
must succumb to the disease thus contracted. 



8 9 



CHAPTER VII 

EXCESSES 

Lastly, as a fruitful cause of many diseases, must 
be mentioned sexual excesses, or unnatural gratifica- 
tion in various ways not prudent to be explained in 
detail here. But such ill-conceived indulgences, and 
sometimes artificially created desires, must in time 
produce very serious disturbances, especially of the 
nervous system, more particularly when indulged in 
in early youth, causing impotence in the most im- 
portant period in later life, when such functions 
should be in the prime of highest activity. Such 
practises — I may say crime — against nature, must 
certainly result in premature senility or early death. 

It is very much to be regretted that children, say 
ten to fourteen years of age, know more about sexual 
relations than did the youth of fifteen to twenty in 
former times; and, if we are frank and impartial, 
we must admit that the fault is to be found in the 
early mental development which is a consequence 
of our civilization, greatly supported by an elaborate 
early education, whereby children in their early 
youth are rendered competent to read and under- 
stand scientific and fictitious works. And it is an 
open secret that stories filled with love sensations or 
sexual vulgarity are eagerly sought for, which not 
only gratify curiosity but inspire a desire to test 
their practical reality. 



90 



CHAPTER VIII 

SUPPOSED CAUSES 

In the foregoing pages we discussed in detail the 
many real causes of disease, but we must also present 
some supposed causes, advanced by scientific theor- 
ists or bacteriological specialists, and uncondition- 
ally accepted by a number of medical men who be- 
lieve in authorities. 

In assuming a different position, I may at present 
expose myself probably to severe criticism, or per- 
haps undeserved ridicule ; but I have the personal 
conviction and consolation that the time is not far 
distant when the medical profession will cast off all 
irrational principles and return to practical facts. 

I will now present these matters in as convincing 
and plain a manner as I am able, and enter a pio- 
neer field with other colleagues to show the unfeasi- 
bility (I would not say absurdity) of the theory that 
such supposed infections by insects or micro-organ- 
isms are primary causes of disease. 

Mosquitoes. — The latest theory is that mosquitoes 
cause malarial fevers, but by reasoning from cause 
to effect, the unfeasibility is apparent, because, as 
a rule, we find mosquitoes most prevalent where low, 
swampy lands and stagnant water abound. Now, 
we have seen that only a comparatively small num- 
ber of individuals are attacked with malaria or other 
specific diseases, while the majority of people living 
in the same locality remain immune, and that a sus- 
ceptibility (predisposition) does generally exist; 

9i 



92 The Causes of Disease 

while, if this species of mosquito were the cause of 
malaria (as these insects have no special preference 
in their attacks upon people, but sting all persons 
alike), all would be infected. Yet it is true that 
persons who never have received any stings from 
mosquitoes, having guarded themselves with screens 
or otherwise against the annoyance of these little 
pests, have nevertheless contracted malaria, often in 
severe form. 

If mosquitoes could be the real cause of malaria, 
the proper and only remedy would be to destroy 
them. Yet, if this could be accomplished, and the 
miasmatic atmosphere should continue, malaria 
would still be a prevailing disease in such localities. 

It is said that there is another species of mosquito, 
supposed to produce yellow fever, by carrying poi- 
son from a diseased subject to a healthy one, and 
that if patients so affected were screened off to pre- 
vent the infection from being thus transmitted, a 
healthy person (non-immune) might sleep on beside 
a patient and not contract the disease. This would 
conclusively (?) prove that yellow fever is a non- 
contagious disease, as far as personal contact and 
atmospheric influences are concerned. But the feas- 
ibility of such a course is more than questionable. 

Now it should be at all times, and in all diseases, 
our sacred duty, as much as possible, to spare a pa- 
tient from annoyance, pain, or discomfort; but that 
screening off should, besides for such a purpose, act 
as a safeguard to prevent infection, will never be 
substantiated. As we have seen, malaria is prevalent 
in certain localities where miasma penetrates the at- 
mosphere, and yellow fever, which may be consid- 



Supposed Causes 93 

ered akin to pernicious bilious malaria, occurs only 
in more tropical climates; hence the theory of in- 
fection through mosquitoes never can be proven. It 
is a fact that, owing to better drainage and sanitary 
conditions, yellow fever is greatly decreasing. 

Now we know another fact, that if, during an 
outbreak of yellow fever, or the prevalence of ma- 
laria, a sudden change of temperature to a lower 
degree takes place, it will be far more effectual in. 
checking the ravages of such diseases than any medi- 
cine or regulation of public supervisors or physicians. 
And we also know that, in a rather low temperature, 
malaria is very rarely contracted, and that such a 
disease as yellow fever is never found, excepting, 
perhaps, in such light form as to be taken easily for 
another ailment, in temperate climates. 

Hook-worms. — Another insect, or rather worm, 
has lately been discerned in Porto Rico, which is said 
to suck the blood of the inhabitants and to cause a 
certain specific anaemia, the effect of which is to 
bleach sun-browned people white ( ?) This supposed 
hook-worm is probably somewhat analogous to the 
German leech, the latter, perhaps, being satisfied 
with a smaller amount of blood. It is certainly ra- 
tional to suppose that those hook-worms, in extract- 
ing, or rather sucking, so much blood from their 
victims, would effect a real depletion, which is, at 
least, a questionable inference, and perhaps never 
will be substantiated by positive evidence. I am 
rather inclined to the opinion that, in very hot cli- 
mates, where people, under the pressure of civiliza- 
tion, are spurred to unusual employments in order 
to comply with the additional requirements of liv- 



94 The Causes of Disease 

ing, such conditions are the result of natural con- 
sequences. If the diet be not changed to replace the 
effects of unusual physical exertion, the constituents 
of the blood will become impaired. This, of course, 
is only a personal inference. 

Micro-organisms. — Closely allied to animal life, 
as above cited, there has been discovered vegetable 
life, presented under a variety of names, such as ba- 
cilli, bacteria, microbes, etc., as supposed unicellular 
plants, and lately the gonococci in gonorrheal pus. 
And to find specific bacillus as a supposed cause of 
disease is now the greatest effort of bacteriologists. 
It is said that these micro-organisms are multiplying 
very rapidly under favorable ( !) circumstances, and 
are found in tissues as well as in secretions and dis- 
charges, which will be more fully considered later 
on, when we come to consider certain diseases. 

But what concerns us especially here is the propo- 
sition by scientists that such micro-organisms are be- 
lieved to be the exciting cause of certain diseases. In 
taking a position different from that of so-called 
scientists (bacteriologists, etc.), and their rather nu- 
merous followers, who believe in so-called authori- 
ties, time (the true test of all things) will prove the 
correctness of my conclusions based upon rational 
reasoning. And it is my firm conviction that, in time, 
the whole bacteriological theory will fall into obliv- 
ion. But I wish to discuss this subject, not in a 
spirit of ridicule or sarcasm, but solely from a desire 
to assist in establishing the truth, and, agreeable to 
the spirit of this work, present this matter in a plain 
and convincing manner. 

Prominently there comes in consideration the so- 



Supposed Causes 95 

called tubercle bacilli, supposed to be the primary 
and sole cause of tuberculosis and consumption. We 
are informed that, in Germany, it is proposed to in- 
oculate calves with tubercle bacilli, on the principle 
of vaccination, to prevent the occurrence of tubercu- 
losis in later periods of life. First, it was proposed 
to cure tuberculosis with tuberculin (or cultures of 
bacilli) ; then it was used to confirm a diagnosis; but 
now it is proposed as a preventive. What inconsist- 
ency, what theories, from these German scientists! 
So, also, the diphtheria bacillus in diphtheria, 
typhoid fever bacillus, the gonococcus of gonorrhoea, 
and many others yet to be discovered; for it seems 
now the greatest ambition on the part of pathologists, 
bacteriologists, or microbists, to discover a specific 
bacillus, if possible, for all diseases, and to make 
their names prominent and luminous in the scientific 
world. 

That there may be found bacilli (micro-organ- 
isms) in some special diseases can be true, but their 
entire absence in the same disease is also acknowl- 
edged in cases of otherwise confirmed diagnosis ; and 
this fact ought to also show very plainly that specific 
bacilli can not be the cause of any disease, as has 
been asserted. 

In order to appreciate the true nature and ex- 
istence of micro-organisms, either animal or vege- 
table, and to explain convincingly as to cause 
and effect, we need only apply rational and prac- 
tical reasoning to arrive at a correct understanding. 
And to do this for the benefit of the general public, 
I will resort to a comparative illustration: Take, 
for example, such substances as cheese, meats, or 



96 The Causes of Disease 

even fruits and vegetables, and we observe that, when 
in a state of putrefaction or decomposition, as the 
case may be, maggots, worms, or other parasites ap- 
pear in more or less numbers, multiplying as such 
changes progress. And if we should attempt to trans- 
fer any of these parasites to substances in a perfectly 
healthy condition, they would lose their vitality and 
perish. This proves that such life is not capable of 
producing decomposition or putrefaction; hence it 
must be considered as the product or consequence 
of such transformation, and not as the cause of it. 

Take, for another example, men working in tan- 
neries, amidst decomposed materials, hence micro- 
organisms, yet very rarely have I heard of a case of 
tuberculosis amongst such workmen; this certainly 
deserves earnest reflection. 

Now, coming back to the bacilli and other micro- 
organisms, we may compare the analogy of maggots, 
vermin, etc. As far as the meaning of their pres- 
ence is concerned, it must be clear that any such 
micro-organism can not be considered as existing 
causes of disease, and that their presence is depend- 
ent upon abnormal changes of organs, tissues, or se- 
cretions of the body, and in the degree that such 
mortification, putrefaction, and decomposition ad- 
vance, such special micro-organisms will appear and 
multiply, as they find favorable conditions. In other 
words, decay favors the development of microbes, 
instead of microbes favoring decay. Such an ex- 
planation is certainly the only logical and rational 
one that could be presented. 

It may also be appropriate, in this connection, 
to inquire into the so-called germ theory, as very 



Supposed Causes 97 

strange and conflicting opinions are advanced con- 
cerning it. If we reflect a moment, we find that all 
living organisms have their origin in certain germs, 
as, for instance, the germ in a grain of wheat, or 
other product of field and garden, as the factor of 
reproduction. And a very plain and convincing 
proof is found in the difference between a fertilized 
and non-fertilized egg; the one will bring a chick, 
the other will not. In a previously fertilized but 
rotten egg, we find that the germ element has per- 
ished by some destructive influence ; in other words, 
the germ has lost its vitality. But this germ has 
not been the cause of the rottenness in the egg sub- 
stance; and, for the same reason, a germ never can 
produce disease, but reproduces its own kind. All 
favorable fields for the propagation and multiplica- 
tion of such supposed specific germs are found in 
diseased structures. 

It is also believed that microbes, swarming in 
the air and having access to wounds, produce putre- 
faction, or suppuration, and, by entering into the 
circulation — that is, mixing with the blood stream 
— produce blood-poisoning. This is another ready 
inference to cover our shortcomings, errors, or igno- 
rance in rather obscure conditions, often causing the 
death of a patient. It is also an easy way of consol- 
ing relatives, and perhaps to escape severe criticism. 

This supposition has been the impulse of inaugu- 
rating the so-called "antiseptic surgery" theory ad- 
vanced by Professor Lister, who used carbolic acid 
in various proportions to kill the germs, or to keep 
wounds free from these micro-organisms. Although 
some of the greatest men in the profession advocate 



98 The Causes of Disease 

this theory, using quite a variety of antiseptics, 
yet many prominent men define antiseptic surgery 
rather as a method of the utmost cleanliness (asepsis) , 
draining off morbid matter, and excluding atmos- 
pheric air by sealing wounds as much as possible. 
Time will prove the rationality of the latter course, 
which may be called simple asepsis, and which has 
my decided approval. To enter into further discus- 
sion would be out of the question in this work. 

It is a rather difficult task to define contagious 
and infectious diseases, but it is generally believed 
that a contagious disease is contracted by some poi- 
sonous (contagious) matter, prevalent in a certain 
locality, while an infectious disease is supposed to 
be transmitted from person to person. There may 
be many very plausible arguments against the theory 
of direct infection from individual to individual; 
nevertheless, during a prevalence of certain specific 
diseases, persons may be so affected, yet a majority 
escape the ravages of such diseases. And very often 
nurses attending such patients do not contract the 
disease, in spite of having occupied the same quar- 
ters and being exposed to all the contagious (?) in- 
fluences. It is also a fact that cases are often greatly 
exaggerated, especially by neighbors, and an immi- 
nent danger reported, so that, if rigid measures are 
ordered, people will more willingly submit to any 
restrictions or other regulations stipulated. For my 
own part, I would rather have no special fear of a 
certain direct infection — that is, solely by personal 
contact with such diseases; I prefer to attribute epi- 
demic diseases to a certain contagion acting on the 
organism either from without or within, in the de- 



Supposed Causes 99 

velopment of contagious diseases. The danger of 
direct infection is, for obvious reasons, greatly ex- 
aggerated, and the horror of contracting such dis- 
eases has at least as much to do with their severity 
as any other supposed cause. In this way the spread- 
ing becomes more general, while a prevailing calm 
spirit would perhaps confine such epidemics to more 
isolated cases. 

But, to give the public the benefit of their doubt, 
or to gratify the anxiety and fear of a community, 
reasonable restrictions and complicity with the pro- 
visions of boards of health may at least do no harm, 
and may impress a community with a calming as- 
surance of safety. 



LofC. 



PART THIRD 

Care of the Sick and Convalescents 



Introduction 



It has been the endeavor, from ancient times to 
the present day, to find proper means to cure disease 
and otherwise to ameliorate the sufferings of afflicted 
mankind. Therefore it is certainly not surprising 
that rational, as well as curious, or even absurd, 
methods and doctrines have been offered in wild 
confusion, prompted by an enthusiasm that is often 
of very questionable wisdom. And sometimes purely 
imaginary, or even deceptive, theories are practised 
by honest physicians, as well as by pretending quacks 
and charlatans. Therefore, it seems advisable, be- 
fore entering this special field of investigation, that 
some general remarks may be advanced to lead 
the reader directly into the path of reality. There 
is, perhaps, no country in which more medicines 
are consumed than in the United States, for the pur- 
pose of correcting all possible errors of diet, mode 
of living, and many trespassings against nature's laws. 
And while our nation may be justly considered as 
highly educated and wide awake, yet in no country 
are there so many people susceptible to being de- 
ceived and humbugged. Therefore, as a safeguard 
to the people, I shall give some important points in 
this connection, derived from an actual practise of 
medicine, which enables me to present facts for the 
benefit of readers. 

One special point of interest deserves to be con- 
sidered, namely, the fact that, as a rule, each doctor 
has a particular method of his own in combating 
1 02 



Introduction 103 

disease. Hence it is a rather curious fact that even 
a certain remedy does not serve all physicians alike ; 
so that the action of a certain drug may be all that 
could be reasonably expected in one man's hand, 
while it seems rather ineffectual in another. This 
proves that the practise of medicine never will be- 
come a positive science, such as, for instance, geom- 
etry, chemistry, mechanical arts, etc., but that the 
healing art will ever depend more or less on the skill 
of the individual physician, all theories, in a meas- 
ure, speculative and subject to personal fancy. 

On this account, as has already been remarked, 
the safest plan is to interfere with nature as little 
as possible, and only when, according to our best 
judgment, assistance seems imperatively demanded. 
When following our vocation in such a spirit, the 
physician may deserve to be acknowledged as a real 
benefactor to humanity. 

It is a great error to suppose that all ailments 
must be attacked by a variety of medicines, often 
of very questionable composition, and I found that 
several members of a certain family have been using 
divers remedies, each for a variety of real or imagi- 
nary ailments or diseases, expecting to derive great 
benefits from the exceptional virtues (?) of these 
often nasty and irrational compounds. On the con- 
trary, such a constant and thoughtless use of medi- 
cines must finally exert a most deleterious influence 
on the organism, especially upon the stomach, the 
most willing, yet the most abused, organ of the body. 
By this means the physiological function of this or- 
gan is often so much interfered with that actual dis- 
ease of the stomach results, through which the whole 



104 Care of the Sick 

body suffers; and insufficient nutrition, or mal-nutri- 
tion, and its disastrous consequences, is the outcome. 

I have really pitied such slaves of medicines, or 
of unhealthful diet, and of such fruitless endeavor to 
correct wrong living with medicinal mixtures. A 
far more economical and commendable course would 
be to observe the principles laid down in detail in 
Part One of this work, to which the reader is re- 
ferred; and the need of swallowing disagreeable and 
often injurious mixtures would be a thing of the 
past. 

It is also an unnecessary and unwise habit to 
seek, for every slight or even imaginary ailment, the 
advice of a physician ; for he will, if honest and sen- 
sible, prescribe an innocent mixture (placebo) 
merely to gratify individual anxiety. And it is often 
surprising to note the effects that colored, sweetened, 
or flavored waters will exert in curing (?) imagi- 
nary disease; so that such a person at least believes 
himself well. So attention is called to the fact that 
it is a most pernicious practise to attack at once a 
sudden constipation by purgatives ; diarrhoea with 
astringents (so-called checking medicines) ; cough 
with lung balsams, cherry pectorals, or other cough 
mixtures ; headaches with bromides, acetanilid mix- 
tures or other antidotes; and so on, ad infinitum, for 
every possible or impossible ailment for each of 
which a remedy is recommended. 

It would be very profitable, indeed, to adhere to 
the principle of the world-renowned physician, Dr. 
Boerhave, who left to the world the following pre- 



Introduction 105 

scription, to insure the enjoyment at all times of the 
best of health : — 
Keep 

The head cool; 

The feet warm; 

The bowels open; and 

The doctor your distant friend! 
Now, we will see, in the following discussion, 
that, while medicines are sometimes really indi- 
cated, we are always to consider them only for the 
purpose of assisting nature in its efforts to cure. But 
it requires more judgment on the part of the physi- 
cian to know when medicines are not needed, than 
when their assistance is really indicated. 



CHAPTER I 

NATURE'S CURE 

It is a cardinal principle that, by the inherent 
power of nature, all diseases are cured; and if she 
be only let alone, she manages her affairs in a most 
wonderful manner. All she needs is now and then 
a little gentle aid, and the providing of such should 
at all times be our modest aim. 

To elucidate the foregoing with scientific abstrac- 
tions would not comply with the spirit of this work, 
but the everyday observation and experience of per- 
sons, professional or not, abundantly prove that even 
very severe attacks of disease have subsided with- 
out artificial aid, and that those people who, on ac- 
count of the least ailment, at once call for the physi- 
cian, are most frequently afflicted, and pay the larg- 
est doctors' bills. We know, further, that, even in 
spite of the interference of some doctors, people will 
sometimes recover, and that the thoughtlessness, 
boldness, or experiments on the part of physicians 
have overcome, by the powers of nature, otherwise 
fatal results might have been the consequence. It 
is therefore apparent that the less frequently people 
call for professional aid, or meddle with nature, 
the better it will be for them, both physically and 
financially. The greatest benefit a doctor can ren- 
der to mankind is in be # ing a faithful adviser as to 
manner of living and conducting life's pilgrimage 
so as to enjoy good health, and thus to reach a ripe 
old age in happiness and contentment. 
1 06 



Nature's Cure 107 

I have read in the Medical Brief of November, 
1903, an item which was apparently intended as a 
joke (as many others are launched on the medical 
profession). It read as follows : — 

"A student who had just taken leave of his pre- 
ceptor to start out in the practise of medicine on his 
own responsibility, was called back, and the old 
physician said to him, 'I want you to understand one 
thing — doctors kill more than they cure.' ' 

Comment is hardly necessary; but it is hoped 
that the young doctor has profited by the confession 
of his preceptor, and has practised his profession in 
such a manner as not to be guilty of murder, the 
secret of which it is the aim of this modest work to 
uncover. 

There are, no doubt, some conditions and cir- 
cumstances in which nature is inadequate, or un- 
able to exert its full power, to restore health ; and 
it is in such instances that the science and art of 
medicine, surgery, and obstetrics enter their great 
sphere of usefulness and become the competent as- 
sistants of nature. But the main principle of con- 
servative doctors is at all times to let nature alone 
as much as possible, to watch and judge correctly 
any inability on her part, and then to come in with 
a modest share in restoring health, guarding, at all 
times, against rash and thoughtless interference and 
unnecessary indulgence in meddlesome druggery. 
When really necessary, the physician is to render 
prompt assistance, and this part constitutes his most 
difficult and rational task in any disease. The cor- 
rect solving of that problem stamps the medical man 
as the greatest benefactor of the human race. The 



108 Care of the Sick 

idea embraced in the common term, "conservatism" 
will generally guide the doctor aright in exercising 
his real function. 

It must not be forgotten that the power of nature 
to rectify any disturbance in its economy is, at all 
times, far superior to artificial means, and therefore 
we must be content to use our artificial aid gently 
and but occasionally. It is an undeniable fact that 
neither a physician nor a surgeon can cure, in the 
fullest meaning of the word, any disease, and that, 
if nature refuses to act, or lacks the power to accom- 
plish such a task, the doctor will be powerless, and 
the patient must succumb. A few illustrations may 
be given as proof of the wonderful powers of nature. 
I was called to a child in my early career as a physi- 
cian; made, according to my judgment, a correct 
diagnosis of the case, and selected what was sup- 
posed to be the most appropriate treatment. The 
next morning, I found the child playing with toys 
in its little bed, and was overjoyed at the great suc- 
cess I had achieved. But, to my surprise, the old 
grandmother, who had been nursing the child sev- 
eral days and nights, confessed to me, confidentially, 
in the hope that I would not expose her, that she 
had omitted to give any medicine at all, as, soon 
after my departure, she had fallen into a sound sleep, 
and, when awakening, found the child so much im- 
proved and cheerful that she thought it advisable 
not to give any medicine before my expected visit. 
Well, that I felt rather small need not be mentioned. 

On another occasion I was called to see a patient 
who had been injured by clearing brush. Upon my 
arrival I learned that a blackberry twig had whipped 



Nature's Cure 



109 



into one of his eyes, which, of course, produced pain 
and a certain degree of inflammation. On exam- 
ining the eye I found that a thorn of the blackberry 
twig had performed a most beautiful iridectomy 
(removal of part of the iris, or membrane which 
forms the pupil) , so that this man had both a natural 
and an artificial pupil; and as this operation had 
been done in the lower circle of that membrane, the 
patient could see straight forward as well as down- 
ward at the same time. I never saw a better opera- 
tion from any eye-surgeon. 

I was called into consultation in a case of labor, 
and, as the attendant obstetrician informed me that 
he had exerted all his knowledge and skill, I nat- 
urally supposed that the case would develop into a 
most formidable one. After examination, a consul- 
tation in an adjoining room took place; but, in the 
meantime, the parturient woman became seized with 
a severe labor pain, while her mother — who, by the 
way, had been somewhat instructed by me on pre- 
vious occasions — having acted as nurse, did not hes- 
itate to make an examination, and, finding every- 
thing favorable, brought the child to birth ; but how 
we both felt, as learned in the profession, can not 
be described. 

On another occasion, a very sick child, suffering 
from scarlet fever with accompanying functional 
heart disease and dropsy, my prognosis was so de- 
cidedly unfavorable that I informed the parents of 
my fear of a probable death. The father, who, by 
the way, was one of the most careless fellows I ever 
met, concluded that I had represented the case so 
gravely for the purpose of getting a large bill for 
my services, and preferred to let the child alone. 



no Care of the Sick 

Instead of learning of its death, I received infor- 
mation two weeks later that it completely recovered. 

A further illustration of nature's efficiency in cur- 
ing itself is the fact that where, as often happens, 
especially in the country, a physician can not be in- 
stantly secured, and persons, as above cited, have not 
much faith in doctors' cure, anyway, and so trusted 
to good fortune and nature, the patients have re- 
covered from disease as well as injury. 

I could relate many such experiences, but those 
already presented may suffice to show what nature 
sometimes accomplishes. 

These occurrences have given me instructive les- 
sons, and have spurred me to the study of rational 
theories and remedies, of which study this modest 
work is the outcome. 

An attempt to analyze the powers of nature to 
accomplish a cure probably never will be satisfac- 
torily explained, and we have, for the present, to 
be content with studying results, and basing impar- 
tial opinion on demonstrated facts, which will em- 
phasize the physiological truths that a physician or 
surgeon can not cure; that his great mission consists 
in earnest efforts to be a faithful servant of nature, 
and that he is never to consider himself as a master. 
In the capacity of assistant, he will be of inestimable 
value; as a professed master, he often commits irrep- 
arable damage, and may be guilty of death. 

I would, therefore, advise, in any certain ailment 
or slight disease, first to give nature a chance; and, 
if the diagnosis is plain, to take advantage of the 
treatments which will be presented later on; but, for 
any serious conditions, the treatment should be con- 
ducted by a conservative doctor. 



CHAPTER II 

ASSISTANCE TO NATURE 

We will now discuss briefly the various methods, 
systems, and doctrines which have been from times 
past to the present recommended. It is believed that 
it will be very necessary to learn the most important 
particulars about each, in order to appreciate such 
methods and principles pertaining to the healing 
art, and to become certainly aware that no one doc- 
trine can be strictly and rigidly adhered to under 
all circumstances. The endeavor to do so by some 
enthusiasts has guided individuals to extreme radi- 
calism. So it has happened that, while a certain 
method really possessed special merits, yet, through 
radical, unconditional use, it came into disrepute. 

There is no doubt that each system or doctrine 
has special features of usefulness in certain condi- 
tions, and, if rational conservatism and impartial dis- 
cretion were practised, great good to suffering 
humanity could be realized; but the best of judg- 
ment is required in applying correctly the proper 
method, or combination of methods, to meet the re- 
quirements of the special case in hand, instead of 
blindly following the precepts of enthusiasts of any 
system. 

The following are the principal doctrines, as 
practised exclusively or in combination: — 

Allopathy is the oldest system ; and, therefore, its 
practitioners call themselves "regulars." The prin- 
ciple consists in using measures antagonistic to dis- 

iii 



112 Care of the Sick 

ease. Hence anodynes are given for pain; purga- 
tives for constipation; astringents for diarrhoea; 
antiphlogistics for inflammation; cold for fever; 
vermifuges for expelling worms; quinine for fever 
and malaria; etc., etc. Now, experience has proved 
the efficiency of such remedies to produce a decided 
effect, and, for that reason, all physicians, or per- 
sons following the healing art, have availed them- 
selves, more or less, of the use of such medicines in 
urgent cases, for quick relief. But, to be just, it 
must be confessed that there is scarcely a member 
of that class who does not utilize any meritorious 
principle of other systems. 

Eclecticism, as practised, has for its special fea- 
ture the selection of certain remedies considered as 
specifics in their antagonistic action against diseases, 
or pronounced symptoms. As the eclectic physician 
is very particular in his selection of pure medica- 
ments, if he is possessed of good judgment and has 
had a fair experience, he no doubt often renders 
excellent service. 

Homeopathy, pure and simple, is founded on 
the principle of " similia similibus curantur/' or 
"like will cure like." It would be inconsistent with 
the purpose of this work to enter into a minute ex- 
planation of the doctrine of Hahnemann, the founder 
of homeopathy, and we must restrict our remarks 
to giving some plain examples: Ipecac, in twenty- 
grain to thirty-grain doses, produces vomiting, and 
the symptoms are taken note of; now, when a per- 
son vomits, accompanied by such symptoms, ipecac 
will be the remedy, administered in very small doses, 
say one-twentieth of a grain, or even much less, as, 






Assistance to Nature 113 

for instance, in the so-called potences, which reach 
up even to the thirties or higher. But this is cer- 
tainly going to an extreme, as it is apparent that the 
best chemist in the world would be unable to find 
a trace of ipecac, but would find milk-sugar as the 
base of potencing. The same principles and rules 
hold good in fluid medicaments. 

It is a fact that homeopaths, when needing a 
quick and decided impression, will use allopathic 
medication in the regular strength. While the allo- 
path gives, now and then, a placebo (sham medi- 
cine), the homeopath may use potences, which will 
surely never do harm. In one respect, the homeo- 
path is the safest doctor, as he never gives an over- 
dose ; neither will he injure a patient with poisonous 
drugs. I have often given medicine on homeopathic 
principles, such as has been noted with reference to 
ipecac, and have often secured decided benefit there- 
from. 

Hydropathy, a system pretending to use exclu- 
sively water, either cold or warm, externally or in- 
ternally. This system has been made prominent by 
a Catholic priest named Kneipp, in Germany, where 
there was hardly a man who was so much consulted; 
but it is a fact that he did not confine his treatment 
to water alone. He used dietetic as well as medici- 
nal means in conjunction with water treatment, and 
a great deal of his apparent success can safely be 
attributed to his personal station as priest; for it is 
well known to what degree superstition and faith 
have been instrumental for recovery. 

However, there is no doubt that, in isolated, ap- 
propriate cases, the use of water will be of some serv- 



8 



H4 Care of the Sick 

ice; yet to use it indiscriminately is little short of 
absurdity. 

Water has been used at all times in appropriate 
cases, amongst all medical men ; and, when properly 
used in such cases, it is often beneficial. For in- 
stance, the ablution of the skin with cold water, or 
a cold bath in a high fever, is often followed by a 
remarkable reduction of temperature. A like effect 
is produced by a cold-pack, or application of ice 
water in a bladder to the head. Yet I would advise 
the reader not to neglect to seek the advice of a physi- 
cian as to the adaptability or necessity of such a 
course. 

Medication. — It is astonishing with what tenac- 
ity some people will cling to certain compounds or 
so-called remedies, in the erroneous belief that won- 
derful benefits will be derived from their use. Were 
it not for the illusory imagination, the real cures, if 
such could be proven, would dwindle into insignifi- 
cance. 

I know of several compounds which contain, be- 
sides water, medicinal ingredients which exert no 
special influence on the system; nevertheless, they 
are enthusiastically recommended from person to 
person as cure-alls. I have really felt sorry that it 
is almost impossible for the physician or druggist 
to convince the public of such facts. 

I have often pitied such slaves of medicines, 
whose only aim seems to be to correct, with such 
compounds, their wrong modes of living and many 
indiscretions, while, no doubt, a far more prudent, 
and, at the same time, more economical, course would 
be the observing of the essentials of good health, as 
laid down in Part First of this book. 



Assistance to Nature 115 

But it can not be questioned that now and then 
the administration of medicines is essential, as we 
will see when we come to discuss special ailments 
and diseases; but, in this connection, I only would 
warn the reader against unnecessary medication, and 
to use only such as are positively known not to exert 
the least deleterious effects on the organism; in other 
words, such medicines as will give nature a gentle 
aid. 

Imagination. — The great influence caused by a 
perverted imagination, such as supposing oneself to 
be attacked by this or that ailment, must never be 
underrated, and no person, so much as the physi- 
cian, has to confront such cases in his daily practise. 
It requires often the shrewdest tact of an honest and 
conscientious doctor to so conduct such cases that 
individuals may not become offended, and to spare 
the mortification of being told that they are simply 
laboring under the influence of imagination. If a 
physician is forced by special circumstances, for the 
true welfare of the patient he may give a really 
sham treatment; that is, he may give something that 
possesses no virtue whatever (called by the profes- 
sion a placebo), until the patient is convinced that 
the disease is overcome. The fear or nervous excite- 
ment having subsided, and normal equilibrium hav- 
ing been restored, the physician has succeeded as 
well as possible. 

There is no doubt that a feeling of slight incon- 
venience may be encouraged until it becomes an ac- 
tual disease, by the power of imagination, through 
constant worry and magnifying of the real condition. 
Such occurrences are quite frequent, and, if the at- 



n6 Care of the Sick 

tending physician fails, in the very commencement 
of such conditions, to check the emotional excite- 
ment, such disturbances may result in actual disease, 
even assuming a character of great severity, and 
sometimes ending in death, exhausting all vital en- 
ergy, or may even end in insanity. 

Superstition. — Amongst all nations and classes of 
people there exists more or less superstition, inherited 
from ancestors and enforced by certain traditions. 
But, in this connection, we have to deal only with 
superstition regarding diseases and their cure. 

It is really surprising that a higher education 
has not been able to eradicate such illusions. We 
find many of this special class who believe in witch- 
craft, the power of evil spirits, and mysterious influ- 
ences of natural phenomena in the healing of dis- 
ease. The various means that superstitious people 
adopt for curing disease are sometimes really amus- 
ing. It is surprising how people, especially those 
from whom something more rational would be ex- 
pected, will believe in such cures as, for instance, a 
potato in the pocket as a safeguard against rheuma- 
tism; a burnt rag, powdered, to cure fever; the ap- 
plication of the so-called madstone to prevent hydro- 
phobia; to drop the blood from the nose, mouth, or 
a wound on straw placed crosswise to stop hemor- 
rhage, and many other such fallacies too numerous 
to be mentioned in this brief discussion. 

Many physicians and sensible laymen have to 
confront superstitious people, and priests and minis- 
ters are called to give advice and render relief in 
such supposed misfortunes as follow an imaginary 
visit by an evil spirit. It is often a very difficult 



Assistance to Nature 117 

task to overcome the influences of superstition so as 
to convince its victims of the absurdity of such be- 
lief. This must be done in a kind but firm manner, 
being at all times mindful that wrong rearing is the 
principal cause of cultivation and perpetuation of 
such irrational illusions. Hence we must deal with 
conditions as we find them, and not rigidly censure 
such unfortunate individuals. By careful conduct, 
sympathetic, kind, and honest explanation, our cure 
will result in a successful conversion, at least so far 
as superstition is concerned. 

Suggestion. — It is believed by some enthusiastic 
advocates that all diseases may' be finally cured by 
suggestion, and, through such a faith, has sprung up 
the so-called Christian Science, parading for the 
sake of confirming and strengthening belief in their 
theory of the Christian religion — the curing of dis- 
ease by profound faith and spiritual power, as Christ 
did. And the Bible records many such wonderful 
deeds. While such wonders are beyond our modest 
conception, depending only on firm belief, we en- 
ter now the field of the natural philosopher, and 
prove beyond a doubt the rationality and feasibility 
of suggestion, plain and simple, as a factor in curing 
disease, and sustain it by undeniable results achieved. 

A casual observer has abundant opportunity to 
witness the practical demonstration of this method, 
and to be convinced that, after all medicines have 
failed, pains are banished, sleep produced, great 
nervous excitements are calmed, or high fever sub- 
sides, and all by a magnetically (?) favored per- 
son's saying: "I think you will feel easy now, your 
pains will be gone, sure; you will be relieved of 



Ii8 Care of the Sick 

your fever." These efforts may be enforced by ex- 
temporaneously moving the hands over parts espe- 
cially affected, which will increase the influence of 
such suggestions. 

The above remarks should not be construed as 
being a method for deception or humbug just because 
unscrupulous persons have indiscriminately prac- 
tised suggestion (faith cure) for the sake of pecun- 
iary gain, and to gratify superstitious individuals; 
for, when rationally practised in appropriate cases, 
it will prove of inestimable value. And the fact 
that not the least harm is inflicted by this method 
commends it to very favorable consideration. 

It is, of course, an illusion to suppose that all dis- 
eases could thus be banished and this method could 
replace the use of medicine or the aid of a physi- 
cian, surgeon, or obstetrician; but any reasoning per- 
son will, without much difficulty, make a proper dis- 
crimination in the use of such means, and thus be 
in proper position to select the right course to be 
pursued in each particular case. 

But to achieve any degree of success in the sug- 
gestive method of curing disease, two principal fac- 
tors are indispensable — namely, the party adminis- 
tering it must go forward with the utmost confidence 
and earnestness of purpose, and the recipient must 
possess the greatest confidence in the administering 
person in order to receive benefit through the wis- 
dom and superior power, as well as the skill, of 
the administrator. The ability of a person possessed 
of magnetic power to influence the faith of others in 
curing disease acts on the mind of the sufferer, so 
to say, as a double sword, operating in both direc- 



Assistance to Nature 119 

tions, and, in such instances, exerts the most beneficial 
influence. 

It is also almost certain that, when individuals 
firmly believe that they must shortly die, that pain 
will kill them, that they can not recover from a dis- 
ease, that a certain medicine will have no effect, 
that a certain doctor never could cure them, that an 
operation will prove fatal, that there is not the least 
hope for them, etc., such suppositions must exert the 
most deleterious influence on the whole organism, 
inspired by the perverted action of the brain. If 
such thoughts are firmly engrafted, neither sugges- 
tion, nor medical skill, nor natural power will be 
of much avail ; even surgery is deprived of the best 
means and indispensable auxiliary to success. 

The utmost confidence and trustworthiness in a 
doctor, as to what he says, must be felt. "The medi- 
cine prescribed will help; he has cured so many, 
and he will cure me; he fully understands my con- 
dition," is not only a great consolation, but is the 
best aid in accomplishing a cure. There should 
never be in the mind of a patient any doubt as to 
final recovery, but he should accept any treatment 
with perfect resignation and hope; otherwise, a doc- 
tor would better be changed at once, for obvious 
reasons. 

There is also another fact worthy of mention, 
namely, that the thought of disease will, in many 
individuals, produce it; so, also, the thought of be- 
coming soon an aged, senile person, and of soon pass- 
ing away, will shorten longevity materially; while, 
on the other hand, the suggestion of possessing all 
the elements necessary to good health and a long life 
will often realize such firm convictions. 



120 Care of the Sick 

Hypnotism. — It is surprising that the medical 
profession has been rather slow to inquire scientific- 
ally into the merits of artificially producing sleep, 
as well as insensibility (anesthesia) to pain and other 
influences, and that such practise has been left to 
charlatans, showmen, and other humbugs, launching 
it as a great mystic power, enveloped in profound 
secrecy. 

The different methods of inducing sleep as a 
curative agent (which it really is) seem very simple. 
By observing certain instructions, and gaining some 
practise, most people will be able to produce any 
phenomena of hypnotism, as the art does not require 
a specialist. I have grouped purposely imagination, 
superstition, suggestion, and hypnotism close to- 
gether, because each forms a field of investigation 
related to the others, but the methods and results 
are somewhat different. Yet the aim remains the 
same — that of curing disease without the aid of any 
other art or the administration of medicines. The 
wonders of prophets, witches, witchcrafts, and divine 
healers are now scientifically explored, and to trace 
all such peculiar wonders to a physical and rational 
origin is a suggestive power. 

As to hypnotism, Santanelli first recognized the 
great influence of imagination, and advanced the 
theory that everything material possesses a radiating 
(?) atmosphere, which operates magnetically. 

Mesmer, a Vienna physician, a century ago, laid 
the real foundation of the knowledge of the power 
of animal magnetism in treating disease, and his 
method is therefore called "Mesmerism." This 
method was introduced into England about the year 



Assistance to Nature 1 21 

1 841 by Dr. Braid, who became very much interested 
in the subject. By carefully fixing the eyes upon 
a given subject, a certain sleeping state was pro- 
duced, which was called "hypnotic phenomena." 
But, as far as the practise of medicine is concerned, 
the greatest achievements have been made by Profes- 
sor Charcot, of Paris, who directed universal atten- 
tion to a peculiar physical state, a combination of 
hysteria and epilepsy, which have proved really 
wonderful phenomena, and his teachings and demon- 
strations have entered into many medical colleges 
and universities in all parts of the world. The fact 
that animal magnetism, as the foundation of hypno- 
tism, has now many advocates, is no surprise; so 
that three principal factions are recognized, and 
special instructions are presented, and designated 
according to their originators, namely, Mesmerism, 
Bernheimism, and Charcotism (or Charcot hypno- 
tism). 

The simplest and easiest method of inducing hyp- 
notic sleep is that of Mesmer, which is practised at 
most public exhibitions. A second may be called 
the mental method; and a third constitutes the fas- 
cinating method. But all prominent experts, such 
as Charcot, Bernheim, Braid, and others, have used 
these methods either singly or combined, as seemed 
best adapted to the case in hand, as well as the ob- 
jects to be attained. 

But, after all, the simplest method will remain 
to be that which was practised by Mesmer (Mesmer- 
ism), and may be described as follows: Concen- 
trate the mind of the individual upon a certain ob- 
ject. Require the person to sit in a chair, hand him 



122 Care of the Sick 

a certain article, probably a piece of coin, to gaze 
at uninterruptedly and exclusively, so that the mind 
is centralized and directed only to such a substance 
of which the practical hypnotist is sure. Now ap- 
proach him and suggest that his eyelids are getting 
constantly heavier, so that it is an impossibility to 
keep them open. Now let him close his eyes firmly 
while the hypnotist makes certain passes with the 
hand from head to knee. Now suggest that his eye- 
lids are firmly closed together and it is impossible 
for him to open them. For proof, let him try hard, 
but he will finally be entirely unable to do so. Now 
place his hands upon his knees and tell him that 
he can not remove them, and that there is no use 
of his trying. Continue to make passes in selected 
directions, and suggest that he will sleep now, and 
that he can not think of anything else; that he must 
remain in a deep and profound sleep until you wake 
him up by loudly clapping your hands close to his 
face. 

It is also a curious fact that, if a certain subject 
is susceptible to hypnotic influences, he will sit rigid 
before you, in a complete state of hypnotism, ready 
to execute any suggestion you may offer. In this 
way the most surprising manipulations and move- 
ments are executed while the subject is in a deep 
sleep. 

I have witnessed instances, however, when a very 
skilled hypnotic specialist, notwithstanding re- 
peated efforts, was unable to induce any hypnotic 
phenomenon. And this proves that certain subjects 
are entirely unsusceptible to hypnotic influences; 
also that all efforts to hypnotize a person who is 



Assistance to Nature 123 

determined not to be hypnotized will prove fruit- 
less. Yet now and then, by some clever tricks and 
patience, some very difficult subjects are brought 
into a hypnotic state, in which all are alike under 
the entire control of the hypnotist. 

The method of awakening is very easy, and con- 
sists in clapping the hands quickly and loudly, say- 
ing, "Wake up," or, "All right," or, "Open your 
eyes." 

Some specialists take advantage of their skill 
to sell their method, which they claim as the best 
and most practical, at enormous prices; yet if a 
person will very closely watch the hypnotist in his 
exhibitions, all clever tricks may be detected. And 
if a physician will take a special interest in hypno- 
tism, with due patience he may soon acquire the art, 
and will find many instances in his practise in which 
it may be very beneficial in its application, often 
being efficient in obliterating nervous excitability 
or restlessness. 

The first and only case in which I ever tried hyp- 
notism was rather unique. The case was that of a 
child w T ho was a great annoyance to her sick grand- 
mother, because of her anxiety. All night she would 
keep asking, "Grandma, do you feel better now T ?" 
etc. As she was a healthy child, I thought it im- 
prudent to administer morphine or any such ano- 
dyne, so I concluded to hypnotize the child. I ap- 
proached her very kindly, saying, "Look at this 
piece of money." Then I suggested, "O, you are 
going to sleep now; just shut your eyes; I know you 
want to sleep," when, almost immediately, she fell 
asleep. The next morning she awoke in a natural 
manner. 



124 Care of the Sick 

There is one special point to which I wish to 
refer, and that is, if you want to induce hypnotic 
sleep for any ailment, or to allay a certain nervous 
excitement in a person, or to produce a certain anes- 
thesia (insensibility to pain), never make known 
your intention ; for if a person is aware of your de- 
sign, you are apt to fail in your effort. 

Owing to such peculiarities, it is not at all sur- 
prising that many fail to induce a hypnotic state; 
but with patience and interest in the art they may 
finally succeed. 



CHAPTER III 

COMMON FORMS OF DISEASES 

PRELIMINARY REMARKS 

Before discussing special forms of diseases and 
their proper management, we will first consider some 
principles applicable to all diseases, without which 
success in any case will be impossible. 

Paramount importance must be attached to the 
removal of exciting and determining causes of dis- 
ease; yet, very much to be regretted, this is often but 
partially successful, or even impossible. In Part 
Second of this work we have dwelt at length on all 
probable and improbable causes, and, at this point, 
it is the aim to again urge the reader to leave noth- 
ing undone to find the real causes of disease, in order 
to enable nature to effect a cure, and to enable the 
attendant physician, or laymen, as the case may be, 
fully to perform the twofold duty of removing the 
cause and rendering the necessary scientific aid for 
nature to accomplish a cure. 

A few illustrations may confirm the importance 
of finding and removing the cause whenever. possible. 
If, for instance, headache is caused by constipation, 
remove the constipation and the headache will dis- 
appear. Diarrhoea, if caused by irritating masses 
in the bowels, will cease of itself if such masses are 
expelled. If palpitation of the heart or defective 
vision is caused by the use of tobacco, don't treat 
heart or eyes, but quit that tobacco habit, and if those 
organs have not been previously too much damaged 
they will return to normal activity. If vomiting is 

125 



126 Care of the Sick 

caused by excessive use of alcoholic stimulants, quit 
the alcohol habit, and the stomach, after being emp- 
tied through nature's efforts will willingly resume 
its proper work. Even corns, produced by tight 
footwear, require, as the rational remedy, more com- 
modious shoes; then the corns will recede and not 
trouble any more, or, when removed, will not return, 
as the cause is removed. 

But these illustrations will suffice, and it is hoped 
the reader will profit by them and be led to apply 
rational reasoning as to cause and effect in any dis- 
order or disease which may occur, in order to secure 
successful treatment. 

It will be very profitable now to discuss such 
ailments and diseases as are of almost daily occur- 
rence, and do not necessarily require an expert to 
make a correct diagnosis. The treatments given are 
safe, and can be administered by any intelligent per- 
son, and will be accompanied by satisfactory results 
if used as directed. 

But right here I wish to remark that I have 
found, even in medical books, prescriptions for chil- 
dren made out with such carelessness that if given 
to a child regardless of age (as no special age was 
given) , very serious consequences would often follow. 

Some physicians believe that children can take 
more medicine in proportion to age than adults; but 
I can not agree with such belief. The safest way is 
to always accompany the prescription with the age 
of the child for which it is intended. 

To calculate the doses for children in compari- 
son with adults, take, for instance, rhubarb; an adult 
may take twenty grains, a person nineteen years old 



Common Forms of Diseases 127 

nineteen grains, and so on, to a child one year old, 
one grain. The same holds good as to fluid medi- 
cines. One teaspoonful is sixty drops; now, if this 
is the dose of a given medicine for an adult, adjust 
it so that you allow for each year of age three drops, 
up to twenty years, because three times twenty equal 
sixty. 

Loss of Appetite. — It is often rather annoying 
to lose one's appetite, but the thoughtless habit of 
using various mixtures for the purpose of producing 
a feeling of hunger will always prove a disappoint- 
ment; because of the fact that loss of appetite may 
often be very beneficial, especially in some fevers, 
and often certain conditions are the causes of such 
loss. Therefore, we must find out what conditions 
are accountable for want of appetite and remove 
the causes, if possible, rather than to attack the stom- 
ach with stomach bitters, pepsins, or other prepara- 
tions. A most simple method may first be tried, con- 
sisting in gargling the mouth with salt water quite 
often, followed by drinking a small quantity of water, 
and moderate exercise. This will serve the double 
purpose of cleansing the mouth and the stomach, 
thereby enabling that organ to fully unload itself. 
During the abstinence from eating, the stomach will 
become thoroughly cleaned out, a natural appetite 
will return. 

Another cause is the overloading of the stomach, 
or too frequent meals, so that digestion is greatly in- 
terfered with. In such case loss of appetite must 
result, because the stomach is unable to perform its 
proper function. Therefore, the golden rule should 
be obeyed, not to eat too much nor too frequently, 



128 Care of the Sick 

and never take a meal except when feeling really 
hungry. Then stomach bitters will not be desired 
for that trouble. 

Constipation. — This rather common condition 
may be caused by inactivity of the bowels, wrong 
diet, or morbid digestion. It is found most fre- 
quently amongst adult females, owing to their pecul- 
iar mode of life, complexity of the pelvic organs, 
and special habits. Constipation is also the cause 
of many specific troubles, frequently a congested 
state, especially of the lower bowel, producing fis- 
sures, piles, and, more rarely, prolapse of the anal 
portion of that organ. Piles are nothing else than 
sacculated, dilated veins of the rectum and anus; yet, 
if the bowels were not allowed to become constipated, 
piles would be of very rare occurrence. When piles 
do really exist, however, the first effective measure 
consists in relieving constipation, and then keeping 
the bowels in a rather loose state. One of the best 
combinations for that purpose is equal parts (by 
bulk) of pure cream of tartar and flour of sulphur, 
which is best mixed with sorghum molasses, but, if 
desired, may be diluted with water. The dose of 
this powder is one teaspoonful three or four times 
a day, after meals, until the effect is realized, when 
once or twice a day will be sufficient to merely keep 
a loose state of the bowels until a cure is accom- 
plished. Then, by preventing a constipated condi- 
tion of the bowels, piles will rarely ever return. If 
above powder is distasteful, the pill recommended 
in "Constipation" may be used. If piles are not 
ulcerated or sloughing, the following treatment will 
be found very effective: Morning and night, as 



Common Forms of Diseases 129 

well as after every evacuation of the bowels, bathe 
the parts well with hot water. After drying, press 
downward, to bring the piles to better exposure, and 
then apply the following ointment well over all pro- 
truding piles, after every evacuation of the bowels 
and at night: — 

Powdered nut-gall, z\ drachms. 

Powdered opium, 10 grains. 

Vaseline, 1 ounce. 

Fissure of the anus and fistula of the lower bowel 
must be treated by a competent surgeon. 

It is a common custom to treat constipation with 
purgatives or constant injections, moderate or very 
large quantities of fluid being forced into the lower 
bowel. The former will have a tendency to obtund 
the nervous activity of the bowels, so that ever- 
increasing quantities must be used to be effective, 
and the frequent large injections will finally produce 
relaxation and atony of the lower bowel; hence there 
will be increased inability to evacuate by natural 
power. 

It is also a bad habit, in case of a tendency to 
constipation, to make an effort to assist nature dur- 
ing the time at stool by voluntary pressing down to 
assist the natural involuntary power. This is also 
a fruitful cause of piles, and sometimes prolapse of 
the rectum. The remedy is apparent — allow suffi- 
cient time for that function and avoid pressing down 
too much. 

If the cause of constipation is traced to diet, a 
change will be necessary. Plenty of fruit and vege- 
tables should be eaten, as well as meat soups and 
whole-wheat bread; but any other preparation made 



130 Care of the Sick 

of flour must be avoided. However, should a more 
prompt action seem demanded, in order to relieve 
the most distressing inconveniences, the following is 
a good prescription: — 

Saturated solution of epsom salts, 4 ounces. 

Fluid extract of cascara sagrada, 2 drachms. 

Take one tablespoonful every four hours until 
it operates. If the lower bowel is too much filled 
by hardened stools, use an injection, consisting as 
follows : — 

Warm water, 1 pint. 

Table salt, 1 tablespoonful. 

(To which may be added some olive oil.) 

Use as often as needed, until bowels are free, and 
then discontinue and trust to nature. 

An excellent tonic laxative to secure regularity 
of the bowels, especially adapted to females, con- 
sists of: — 

Powdered Socotrine aloes, 1 drachm. 

Powdered rhubarb, 1 drachm. 

Powdered ipecac, \ drachm. 

Fluid extract henbane, 1 drachm. 

Tincture nux vomica, \ drachm. 

Make to a pill mass, divide into sixty parts, and 
put in No. 4 capsules. Take one three times a day 
until bowels are regulated, and then take one less 
frequently, merely to insure continued easy stools. 

Diarrhcea. — This condition is usually occasioned 
by accumulated irritating masses in the bowels, and 
is generally a natural effort to throw off such sub- 
stances; hence it is, in many instances, salutary, and, 
as a good rule, it ought not to be interfered with in 



Common Forms of Diseases 131 

the beginning. For this reason it is even a domestic 
custom to aid nature in administering either castor 
oil or cream of tartar until the bowels are cleaned 
out. But this treatment should not be indiscrimi- 
nately practised, and only when really necessary. 
But to give astringents or opiates to check every diar- 
rhoea is the worst possible method. 

Now, if the trouble does not disappear in a rea- 
sonable length of time, or the stools become loaded 
with glairy mucus, tinted perhaps with blood, and 
more or less straining at stool takes place, the dis- 
order is transformed, in the adult, to flux (dysen- 
tery), and, in children, to summer complaint (chol- 
era infantum, entero- colitis) . 

Simple diarrhoea, as a rule, should be, as has 
been mentioned, rather left to nature, and when the 
causes are removed it will cease. By confining the 
diet to preparations from flour such as porridge and 
burnt flour soups and eggs, the trouble will subside 
in due time. 

Should it be desirable to assist nature, if a mere 
watery stool continues, and pain in the bowels is 
tormenting, use the following: — 

Paregoric, tincture catechu, tincture cinnamon, 

each 1 ounce. 
Syrup of ginger, 1 ounce. 

Take one teaspoonful every two or three hours 
until the trouble subsides. 

Flux (Dysentery). — This disease is often very 
stubborn if not properly treated in the beginning. 
I would call attention to the important rule that, 
whenever diarrhoea persists, and the stool changes 
to a mucous, bloody discharge, accompanied by fre- 



132 Care of the Sick 

quent desires to go to stool under severe straining 
(tenesmus), flux is at hand. The best remedy is : — 

Cream of tartar, 1 ounce. 

Divide in eight powders and give one with a 
tablespoonful of peppermint water every four hours 
until stools pass real watery, without mucus, blood, 
or straining at stool, and then give the following: — 

Quinine sulphate, \ drachm. 

Bismuth subnitrate, 2 drachms. 

Divide into fifteen powders and give one every 
four hours until movements of bowels become nat- 
ural. The old method of giving opium or astringents 
is a wrong practise. 

Summer Complaint (Cholera Infantum). — This 
disease of childhood usually occurs in summer, espe- 
cially when the temperature is very high, and shows 
itself by very frequent mucous discharges, often 
mixed with blood and accompanied by straining at 
stool. 

The best treatment, is to keep the child very 
lightly clothed, and apply to the abdomen a flannel 
binder sprinkled with a little whisky or alcohol ; give 
milk, soft-boiled egg, or roasted flour soup, with the 
addition of a little brandy, five to thirty drops, ac- 
cording to the age of the child, together with the 
following: — 

Bismuth subnitrate, 2 drachms. 

Tincture of cinnamon, 1 drachm. 

Fennel water, 5 drachms. 

Simple syrup, 1 ounce. 

One teaspoonful every two or three hours, for 
a child one year old (older children in proportion 



Common Forms of Diseases 133 

to their age) until relieved. However, should this 
treatment fail, it is best to consult a physician. 

Cough. — A certain irritation or inflammation of 
the air passages and lungs produces cough. First, 
the mucous membranes are red and swollen; finally, 
an abundance of secretion accumulates, which must 
be expelled by efforts of coughing. But cough is 
not strictly a disease; it is merely the symptom of 
a certain special disorder, and in most cases it points 
to the respiratory tract; and, if the discharged mucus 
is streaked with dark blood, it is a certain (pathog- 
nomonic) sign of pneumonia. Cough may be also 
symptomatic or reflex, from various causes which it 
would be rather useless to describe at this place. 

As a general rule, it is probably best to let cough 
take its own course, and leave the matter to nature. 
Keep away any exciting causes, and everything may 
turn out satisfactorily. Should a medicine be needed, 
however, the best cough medicine for general use is 
the following mixture: — 

Syrup wild cherry, 2 ounces. 
Syrup of ipecac, J ounce. 
Simple syrup, \ ounce. 
Anise water, 1 ounce. 

For adults, one teaspoonful every two hours; chil- 
dren according to age, as has been directed. 

If cough is very annoying, give: — 
Bromide of potassium, 3 drachms. 
Peppermint water, 1 ounce. 
Syrup, 1 ounce. 

For adults, one teaspoonful every two, three, or 
four hours. 



134 Care of the Sick 

A good home remedy also is: — 

Honey and olive oil, each i ounce. 

One teaspoonful as often as necessary. 

When a cough is persistent, and pain in either 
the windpipe, trachea (bronchitis), or in one or 
both lungs (pneumonia), it is proof that these organs 
are affected; but, as we do not possess any special 
specific for either of these diseases, we may also 
profitably use the cough medicines recommended, 
and keep the chest covered with flannel or cotton, so 
as to secure an equal temperature of chest walls, 
avoiding drafts. Above all things, provide fresh air 
by ventilation of the apartment, and, if appetite per- 
mits, a nourishing diet, with, perhaps, a good malt 
extract. 

In the course of time, however, should those dis- 
eases not yield to such treatment, or if serious com- 
plications arise and distressing or dangerous symp- 
toms present themselves, the best counsel is to seek 
medical advice. 

Colic. — Pronounced by pain (cramps) in the 
bowels, caused either by accumulation of gases, gall- 
stones, or irritable masses in the stomach and bowels, 
or other organ. It must be the endeavor to find out 
the cause, try to remove it, and, if impossible, con- 
sult a physician instead of resorting to opiates, mor- 
phine, or other anodynes, to subdue pain. 

A good remedy which will never do any harm 
is as follows: — 

Cream of tartar, J ounce. 

Syrup of ginger, 3 ounces. 

Fennel water, 1 ounce. 

Take two teaspoonfuls every hour or two, sup- 
ported by an injection of salt water, until bowels 
move freely. 



Common Forms of Diseases 135 

Cholera Morbus. — This affection occurs rather 
frequently during hot weather in summer, and is 
characterized by severe vomiting and purging, but 
if attended to right in the beginning it is a disease 
very amenable to treatment. A weak mustard plas- 
ter should be applied to the stomach, but avoid blis- 
tering; then lay a warm cloth over the bowels, and 
give the following, which is as near a specific as 
any remedy could be: — 

Carbonate of magnesia, 1 drachm. 

Aromatic spirits of ammonia, ii drachms. 

Peppermint water, 4 ounces. 

Give a teaspoonful every twenty minutes until 
relieved. 

If purging is severe, add to above one-half ounce 
of paregoric. 

Headache. — This often annoying trouble must be 
considered as a mere symptom of some disorder, be- 
cause it may be caused by congestion of the brain 
or constipation of the bowels; and even anger, worry, 
or unusual nervous excitement may produce it. 
Therefore, it is a very bad habit to resort at once 
to so-called headache powders, consisting mostly of 
acetanilid, caffein, or morphine, which may injure 
the system instead of benefiting it. 

If there is much heat in the head, a cloth wrung 
out of cold water, or a bladder half-filled with water, 
to which is added a piece of ice, may be applied until 
the heat subsides. If caused by constipation, relieve 
it, as has been described under that heading; if from 
grief or worry, take rest and secure tranquillity of 
the mind, and give as follows: — 



136 Care of the Sick 

Bromide of potassium, 2 drachms. 
Camphor water, 2 ounces. 
Peppermint water, 2 ounces. 

Give one tablespoonful every four hours until 
relieved. If the stomach is at fault, the best remedy- 
is an emetic : — 

Powdered ipecac, 1 drachm. 

Divide in three parts and take one every ten 
minutes, with hot water, until vomiting takes place. 

Never attack headache with so-called headache 
powders of unknown composition, and, if the case 
seems serious, it is better to consult a physician. 

Indigestion (Dyspepsia). — Disturbances of the 
digestive function are the most frequent causes of 
ill health, because on that function depends the sus- 
tenance of life itself, hence of the whole organism. 
The name "dyspepsia" is an unfortunate one, having 
suggested the necessity of giving pepsin, which, by 
the way, has not cured a single patient for me. For 
the reason that these troubles are so prevalent in this 
country, they should be given special and careful 
consideration. To study the history and causes of a 
given case is a paramount necessity, so that every- 
thing may be removed which has a tendency to in- 
crease the actual disease. So we have to investigate 
the personal diet, and, if it does not comply with the 
kinds of food enumerated in Part First of this work, 
change it. If highly seasoned foods, spices, hot bread, 
pies, puddings, pastries, ice-cold or hot drinks, ex- 
cessive use of liquors, overloading of the stomach, 
late meals, or the use of large quantities of salt or 
vinegar has been indulged in, cast them aside. By 



Common Forms of Diseases 137 

the way, it is really astonishing that even some mem- 
bers of the profession are guilty of such indiscretions, 
while they certainly ought to know their injurious 
influences, as they have to treat patients whose cases 
require the prohibition of all such substances and 
practises to insure recovery. 

I have rarely ever failed to cure such cases, pro- 
vided the patient was willing to adhere strictly to 
all instructions. And the method is so simple that 
in most cases any intelligent person can treat him- 
self, according to the principles now to be described. 

After inquiring into the condition of the bowels, 
kidneys, and other organs, so as to be assured of their 
normal functional activity, I demand of a patient 
to abstain, as a rule, from any food whatever for 
two or three days, excepting wheat bran and warm 
(not hot) water, to which may be added a small 
quantity of salt. By this means the stomach is thor- 
oughly cleansed, and the stool transformed into a 
loose state, so that all irritating substances are re- 
moved from the whole alimentary tract. It is also 
a good practise, from the beginning, to take a glass 
of cold water every morning, and this can be done 
at any time of the day when thirsty. 

If it appears that the stomach contains too much 
acid, shown by sour belching (eructation), a glass 
of pure water in which has been dissolved a half- 
teaspoonful of baking soda (bicarbonate of soda) 
may be taken to neutralize the overacidity of the 
stomach. If a bitter taste supervenes, a teaspoonful 
of epsom salts in half a glass of water at various 
intervals (every four or six hours) may be taken, 
which will prevent any recurrent flow of bile, thus 



138 Care of the Sick 

causing it to remain in its proper channel, the bowels. 
Before any food is taken, the mouth should be washed 
out with strong salt water. After two or three days, 
according to circumstances, the diet may be changed 
so as to consist of whole wheat, or, better, graham 
bread (bread in which all the bran is retained) , milk, 
and water, and occasionally small quantities of meat 
and meat soups (mutton preferred, but hog meat 
avoided) ; and finally, but very carefully, the more 
common articles of diet. But one rule must be 
strictly observed, and that is never to eat unless a 
decided feeling of hunger exists. 

Sometimes it is advisable to take a tonic bitters 
for the stomach. The following formula and mode 
of preparing it is a most useful preparation, which 
I have used successfully for years : — 

Gentian root, coarsely powdered, 2 ounces. 

Orange peel, coarsely powdered, ij ounces. 

Anise seed, finely powdered, 1 ounce. 

Caraway seed, finely powdered, J ounce. 

Coriander seed, finely powdered, J ounce. 

Take a glass funnel holding one quart and put in 
the bottom, dipping well into the spout, some cotton. 
Now put the above powder in the funnel, and pour 
gradually upon the powder a mixture of half alcohol 
and half water, so that the fluid from the spout drops 
slowly into a pint bottle, until the fluid comes out 
clear at the last, which is a sign that all the strength 
of the powder is exhausted. 

This makes the finest bitter fluid extract. Take 
one-half to one teaspoonful in water before each 
meal. If a regular stomach bitters is desired, take : — 

Bitter extract as above described, 2 tablespoonfuls. 



Common Forms of Diseases 139 

Alcohol, 1 pint (or more, if preferred). 

Syrup, -J- pint. 

Peppermint water, \ pint. 

Water, 1 pint. 

Mix, and let it stand twelve hours, and it is ready 
for use. Dose, one-half wineglassful three times a 
day before meals. 

By adhering to these instructions, the happy re- 
sults will be surprising, besides the satisfaction of 
being cured very effectually, with little expense. 

Should serious complications appear, which may 
rarely happen, it would perhaps be better to seek 
the advice of a rational, reasoning, and conservative 
physician, one who understands such conditions thor- 
oughly and aims to comply with the demands of na- 
ture; one who does not pretend to establish artificial 
digestion by pepsins or predigested foods, a course 
which has brought, and ever will bring, disappoint- 
ment to patients as well as physicians; because all 
such remedies are unable to remove the cause, and 
so may only give temporary relief. 

Appendicitis. — This supposed new disease is sim- 
ply an old disease under a new name, and has pre- 
sented a wide field for speculation. It is caused by 
accumulation of matters in the blind bowel, and a 
certain degree of inflammation of the appendix, 
which is on the upper end of that gut, attached as 
a blind lappel hanging outside the bowel. 

As the organ is supposed not to be positively nec- 
essary, surgeons have been inspired to cut it off, as 
is done with other organs which can be removed ap- 
parently with no immediate damage to the patient. 
Yet there are many very competent, though conserv- 



140 Care of the Sick 

ative, physicians and surgeons who are, as a rule, 
opposed to such an operation, in which I fully coin- 
cide. 

Now if a kind of sharp pain on the right side of 
the abdomen, about two inches under the small 
(false) rib, is experienced, there may be cause to fear 
such condition, and the case should be attended to, 
especially if constipation is also present. The fol- 
lowing will be found as the best means to cure such 
condition, without fear of doing the least injury, and 
without the use of the knife : — 

Cream of tartar, 1 ounce. 

Take of it, one teaspoonful every three hours un- 
til bowels move freely and pain subsides. Or — 

Castor oil, olive oil, and molasses, equal parts. 

Take a tablespoonful every two hours until it 
operates freely. 

There is no doubt but that, in very rare instances, 
the' appendix may be so diseased as to demand its 
removal; but it requires the most conservative sur- 
geon to know when such an operation is imperatively 
demanded, as through the bold and unnecessary re- 
moval of that part of the human anatomy many lives 
have been sacrificed. 

Rheumatism. — This affection is so well known 
that it requires but little description; but, in order to 
treat the subject intelligently, we must consider it 
under three heads: (1) Acute articular (where the 
joints are affected) ; (2) acute muscular (where the 
muscles are affected), and (3) chronic rheumatism. 
The last mentioned condition may be the conse- 
quence of either or both of the former. 



Common Forms of Diseases 141 

The treatment of the acute varieties does not dif- 
fer very materially. The following application will 
be found very useful : — 

Bicarbonate of soda (baking soda), 2 ounces. 

Water (either cold or warm, as preferred), 1 pint. 

Saturate a cloth and lay it on the parts affected, 
renewing it occasionally until inflammatory symp- 
toms subside. 

Internally the following is a good prescription: — 

Salicylic acid, 3 drachms. 

Bicarbonate of soda, ij drachms. 

Lemon syrup, 1 ounce. 

Water, 2 ounces. 

One teaspoonful every two ho.urs until pain sub- 
sides. 

Avoid anything sour and keep bowels open with 
solutions of epsom salts or by drinking freely of min- 
eral water. 

The following prescription is much used for mus- 
cular rheumatism by some mail-order specialists, 
and is said to be very effective, very cheap, and con- 
tains no injurious ingredients : — 

Ammonium chloride, 2 drachms. 

Simple syrup, 1 ounce. 

Mix. A teaspoonful three or four times a day. 
For chronic rheumatism I have found nothing bet- 
ter than to apply to the affected parts — 

Bicarbonate of soda, 2 drachms. 
Water and whisky, each 2 ounces. 
Use three or four times and keep painful parts 
constantly enveloped in cotton or wool. 

For chronic rheumatism, I found that dry 



142 Care of the Sick 

warmth to the affected joint, or part, avoiding 
vinegar in the diet as much as possible, is as good 
as any other treatment. But the following prescrip- 
tion is sometimes effective : — 

Iodide of potassium, 2 drachms. 

Syrup of sarsaparilla, 4 ounces. 

Take one teaspoonful three or four times a day. 

It is also advisable to procure some blue litmus 
paper, and dip a piece into the urine every morning, 
and if it becomes decidedly red, there is too much 
acid in the blood, for which may be taken: — 

Bicarbonate of soda, \ ounce. 

Peppermint water, 4 ounces. 

One-half tablespoonful every four hours, until 
blue paper is scarcely discolored, as a sign that the 
acid is neutralized. 

Catarrh. — This name has been greatly abused, es- 
pecially by quacks and medicine vendors, who claim 
that all diseases are caused by catarrh, so that one 
patent compound will be a cure-all; yet intelligent 
people can see the absurdity of such a fake idea. Ca- 
tarrh is simply the second stage of any inflammation 
of the mucous membranes of the air passages, and 
other organs, as the nose, mouth, windpipe, and 
lungs, stomach, bowels, etc., and shows itself by a 
certain dryness of these membranes, while moisture 
should prevail in order to keep them in proper 
condition. It is a fact that any disturbance of the 
system, such as headache, sneezing, coughing, or a 
certain degree of fever, etc., is attributed to catarrh, 
while these symptoms generally are due to other dis- 
eases, which, of course, should receive special atten- 
tion and proper treatment. 



Common Forms of Diseases 143 

The following rather empyric treatment will 
often be found very effective: — 

Quinine, \ drachm. 

Fluid extract cascara sagrada, 80 drops. 

Camphor water, simple syrup, each 1 ounce. 

Dose, one teaspoonful three times a day. 

If the nose be dry and secretions hardened, wrap 
cotton on a stick and swab the nose with glycerine 
and water, to which may be added a little borax, as 
often as necessary. 

Asthma. — This very annoying condition consists 
either of a rigidness of the air cells, through which 
the lungs are unable to entirely expel the air to be 
exchanged for fresh air, or where, as in so-called 
hay asthma, there is an oversensibility of the lungs 
to impressions of certain odors in the air, which pro- 
duces paroxysms of suffocation. If the disease is not 
too chronic, it can be cured ; but the paroxysms may 
be relieved by the following powder, of which a little 
should be burned and inhaled when attacks come 
on: — 

Powdered lobelia. 

Powdered stramonium leaves. 

Powdered nitrate of potash (saltpeter). 

Powdered black tea. 

Each 2 ounces. 
Internally, may be taken : — 

Iodide of ammonium, 2 drachms. 

Fluid extract of grindelia robusta, 4 drachms. 

Fluid extract of liquorice root, 4 drachms. 

Tincture of lobelia, 2 drachms. 

Tincture of belladonna, 2 drachms. 

Syrup of tolu to make 4 ounces. 



144 Care of the Sick 

Take a teaspoonful three times a day and in each 
paroxysm. 

Poison-Vine Eruption. — The common poison- 
vine (Rhus toxicodendron), a species of so-called 
swamp sumach, and one or two other plants rarely, 
cause, by contact, in some persons, an inflamed vesicu- 
lar eruption, often of considerable severity. The 
hands and face are the most frequently affected, but 
the body and limbs may also be attacked. The dura- 
tion of the attack, in severe cases, may be from one 
to two weeks; but it is often quite limited and runs 
a rather shorter course. 

In the treatment of this annoying but not dan- 
gerous affliction, a great relief, as well as a shorten- 
ing of its course and reducing of the inflammation, 
may be effected by the early application of the fol- 
lowing : — 

Sugar of lead, i drachim. 

Water, i pint. 

Apply freely with a camel's-hair brush, every 
hour or so, avoiding, however, opened vesicles (blis- 
ters) over the inflamed surface. 

Another good remedy is the application of fluid 
extract of Virginia snakeroot (Serpentaria). It 
seems to kill it at once. 

A saturated solution of bicarbonate of soda (pure 
baking soda) applied frequently often gives prompt 
relief by neutralizing any acid which, according to 
Professor Maish, is contained in poison-vine, called 
toxicodendric acid. 

Burns and Scalds. — In such accidents as those 
where half of the body is burned or scalded, arrest 



Common Forms of Diseases 145 

of the function of the skin takes place, and death will 
result. Collapse comes on by the terrible shock to 
the nervous system. The body becomes cold, the 
pulse very low, and thirst is often excessive. Suffer- 
ing is often, in a few hours, lost in apathy or pros- 
tration. If the burns or scalds are not so extensive, 
proper treatment will be successful. If the patient 
is much prostrated, wine or whisky should be given 
in small, often-repeated doses ; and, in case of severe 
pain, an anodyne (which, however, should be pre- 
scribed by a physician) may be necessary. 

For local treatment the old remedy of equal parts 
of oil and lime water (linseed oil is probably best), 
applied on cotton wool, so as to exclude the air from 
the surface, is very effective. A good protection is 
also a solution of gum arabic, or tragacanth, to 
which is added a little olive or castor oil. If noth- 
ing better is at hand, dusting with finely powdered 
starch and covering with a cloth saturated with mo- 
lasses is a good and ready substitute. Baking soda 
(bicarbonate of soda) in a saturated solution has 
been recommended, but I found it only effectual 
where the skin was merely inflamed and not much 
abrasion or severe blistering had taken place. The 
principal object is to keep the air excluded from a 
burned or scalded surface. 

Tapeworm. — Although there are two principal 
varieties, the symptoms of their presence and the ap- 
propriate treatment are the same in either case ; hence 
a differentiation has no clinical value. Tapeworms 
are formed of flat segments (joints), often several 
hundred in number, connected with a very small 
head by a slender neck. Each segment has male and 



10 



146 Care of the Sick 

female organs (hermaphrodite), and as those of the 
tail end mature, they are detached and cast off with 
the stools. Some patients pass several such frag- 
ments (joints) every day. The whole length is from 
ten to thirty feet, but sometimes longer. 

The symptoms may not be very determinate, and 
the only positive proof is the finding of fragments 
in the discharges from the bowels, to which, if sus- 
picion is aroused, special attention must be given 
to be sure of their presence. 

For the treatment, or, rather, for the purpose of 
expelling tapeworms, a variety of remedies has been 
used, and often sold at exorbitant prices, any of which 
may be successful, if properly administered. 

The preparatory measures consist in emptying 
the bowels in the afternoon with a good dose of cas- 
tor oil or cream of tartar, and abstaining from any 
food that day. In the evening, before going to bed, 
one or other of the mentioned specific remedies must 
be taken according to direction. The purgative to 
follow in the morning, two hours after the second 
dose of the specific, is perhaps a large dose of castor 
oil, or two grains of aloes and five grains of rhubarb, 
put in empty capsules to disguise their very bitter 
taste, or any other brisk purgative. 

When the bowels begin to act, sit on a vessel half- 
filled with warm water, or covered with mosquito 
netting (to let the stool go through while retaining 
the worm on its surface, to prevent its breaking off) . 
Keep perfectly quiet until all is discharged. Now 
examine carefully, to see if the head, which is very 
small, attached to a slender neck, is also expelled; 
otherwise the treatment must be renewed. Should 



Common Forms of Diseases \/\.j 

the head apparently not be passed, yet if, after three 
months, no joints pass, the treatment may be consid- 
ered successful. 

Prescriptions for Tapeworm: — 

Ethereal oil of male fern, ij drachms. 
Spirits of turpentine (rectified), 20 drops. 
Chloroform, 15 drops. 
Mucilage of gum arabic to make 1 ounce. 

Take one-half in the evening, and the other in 
the morning, fasting; the last dose to be followed 
in two hours by a brisk purgative. Or — 

Oil of pumpkin-seed, oil of male fern, each 2 
drachms. 

Take in two doses, as above directed, and also 
follow in two hours by a purgative. Or — 

Pelleterine tannate (Merk), 40 grains. 
Kousin, 30 grains. 
Granatose, 2 grains. 

Put in six capsules and take with water, three in 
the evening and three in the morning, as above di- 
rected. 

These prescriptions are, of course, for adults; a 
child ten years old to receive one-half, and of five 
years old, one-quarter of above quantities. 

Sometimes plain powdered or crushed pumpkin- 
seed, two drachms, nights and mornings, prove suc- 
cessful. 



CHAPTER IV 

SPECIFIC DISEASES 

GENERAL REMARKS 

There are some diseases which are supposed to 
be produced by a certain contagion, it may be by 
immediate contact, a volatile infectious matter, or 
certain micro-organisms, as we will presently see. 
The real causes are still a greatly disputed point, 
but the fact that certain diseases most frequently 
occur in closely inhabited communities or neigh- 
borhoods, or in families, has prompted thorough 
investigation, but with very conflicting results. 
Hence it is out of the question to present to the 
general public any scientific theories; for the people 
have a right to demand facts, and not controversies, 
from professional men. 

In giving some special points regarding such dis- 
eases, it is not to be supposed that the services of a 
physician are to be dispensed with, but, rather, to 
assist in case it be not necessary to give scientific 
treatment. It is self-evident that, if severe and 
alarming symptoms should occur, the advice of a 
competent physician should be sought. 

Malaria. — This is one of the most common and 
extensive of specific diseases, because it occurs, al- 
most exclusively, in localities where swamps and 
stagnant water abound, with insufficient drainage. 
There is much speculation about the real causes of 
malarial fevers, but the most obvious cause is the 

148 



Specific Diseases 149 

inhalation of evaporated miasm, susceptible subjects 
being attacked with the various forms of that group 
of diseases when exposed to such specific miasmatic 
atmosphere. But it usually ceases on changing to a 
low temperature, and, for this reason, malaria rarely 
occurs in severe form in winter. Sometimes such 
poison may remain latent for a certain period be- 
fore an outbreak takes place, especially during win- 
ter-time or a very dry summer. 

The latest notion is the mosquito theory, which 
has been mentioned already. It is known that these 
insects are very numerous about stagnant waters, 
marshes, and swamps; and whenever such localities 
are thoroughly tilled, or otherwise drained, malarial 
fevers are very much lessened, and, naturally, mos- 
quitoes will also disappear. That mosquitoes can 
not be considered as the carriers of malaria from one 
person to another is certainly a rational conclusion, 
because, if such a source of infection could take 
place, a mosquito stinging a smallpox, scarlet fever, 
typhoid fever, or yellow fever patient would trans- 
fer such diseases also, which, of course, never hap- 
pens. This conclusively proves the fallacy of such 
supposition. 

As to the peculiar phenomena of malarial fevers 
in a typical case, they are presented in three pro- 
nounced stages, chill, fever, and sweating; but any 
one of them may be wanting, yet an experienced ob- 
server will detect at once the real nature of the dis- 
ease. 

The forms in which malaria develops are inter- 
mittent, remittent, and typho-malarial fevers, ac- 
companied, sometimes, with pneumonia (as the so- 



150 Care of the Sick 

called winter fever), and congestion or torpidity of 
the liver (bilious fever), and also may be compli- 
cated with almost any other disease, showing the 
most diverse manifestations. 

It would certainly be out of place to enter into 
a description or treatment of very severe forms of 
malaria or any such complication, yet I felt it ad- 
visable to give a rational treatment for the more 
common forms of malaria and certain complications, 
as I practised for over twenty years in a malarial 
neighborhood. Now, in intermittent fever, we find 
a comparatively good state of health, excepting that, 
at a certain time every day, every second or third 
day, as the case may be, the characteristic malarial 
phenomena appear; that is, first, a condition of chilli- 
ness, then another of more or less high fever, and, 
lastly, profuse sweating, constituting such an attack. 
Yet now and then one or other condition may be 
absent; but the experienced inhabitants of a malarial 
locality will know the real nature of the disease, and 
a physician will detect it at once. 

Next comes remittent fever, where the paroxysm 
occurs at any indefinite time, with the same charac- 
teristics as the forms previously mentioned, only 
that the intermissions are of irregular and shorter 
duration. A typhoid state — that is, where the senses 
are obtunded to a certain extent, may also develop 
as well as in any other disease, so as to complicate 
malarial fevers and render such conditions very dan- 
gerous; so that a physician must at once be sum- 
moned. 

Now, the older practitioners thought that no 
medicines (so-called antiperiodic) should be admin- 



Specific Diseases 151 

istered during a periodical paroxysm; but such in- 
ference is not correct, being based on prejudice, and 
has often prevented a quick cure, especially in re- 
mittent fevers. 

As no medicine, as a rule, should ever be given 
except when imperatively demanded, so it would 
be imprudent to administer a remedy indiscrimi- 
nately. But to administer medicine in intermittent 
fevers, it should be commenced about six or eight 
hours before the expected attack, so that at least 
three or four doses can be taken. If an attack does 
not appear, or, in other words, is prevented by the 
remedy, the same course should be followed the sev- 
enth, fourteenth, twenty-first, and twenty-eighth 
days, to guard against a return, which is most prob- 
able on these days. 

In remittent fever, the medicine must be taken 
uninterruptedly for forty-eight hours, one dose every 
four hours, and then, perhaps, one, two, or three 
doses per day for a week, when a return is very 
improbable, or it may be transformed into an in- 
termittent fever, and treated as such. The actual 
medication should be instituted by providing for a 
loose condition of the bowels, and, for that purpose, 
an excellent prescription is 1 teaspoonful of cream 
of tartar, to which may be added 10 to 15 drops of 
fluid extract of cascara sagrada, and which may be 
taken every four hours until effectual. After this, 
in the above described manner, one or the other of 
the following antiperiodics may be given : — 

(1) Quinine sulphate, 2 to 4 grains. 

Either with water or in capsules. One every two 
hours until four doses are taken before the paroxysm 



152 Care of the Sick 

is expected; and each dose may be followed by a 
glass of lemonade. Or give: — 

(2) Quinine sulphate, 1 drachm (60 grains). 
Aromatic sulphuric acid, 1 drachm (60 

drops). 
Peppermint water, 2 ounces. 
Give a teaspoonful every two hours as above in- 
dicated. Or give: — 

(3) Quinine sulphate, 45 grains. 
Powdered capsicum, 15 grains. 
Powdered rhubarb, 5 grains. 

Divide into fifteen parts and put in capsules. 
Give one as above recommended. 

It must be repeated that, for remittent fevers, 
the antimalarial remedies should be given every 
four hours for forty-eight hours, in order to break 
the fever or transform it into an intermittent type, 
which will have to be treated as described until 
cured. 

For children, the following tasteless preparation 
is very favorably recommended, as children take it 
willingly : — 

Cinchonia alkaloid, \ drachm (30 grains). 

Alcohol, 1 drachm. 
Mix. 

Bicarbonate of soda, 5 grains. 
Dissolve in — 

Peppermint water, 1 ounce. 
Mix with above, and add— 

Simple syrup, 1 ounce. 

This will make a two-ounce mixture. Give a 
child ten years old one teaspoonful; five years old, 



Specific Diseases 153 

half a teaspoonful; two and a half years old, fifteen 
drops, in the same manner as directed above. 

This treatment will rarely ever fail, and will do 
no harm whatever. And if a debilitated person 
needs afterwards a good tonic, any of the above men- 
tioned prescriptions will answer the purpose, if only 
one-half or one-fourth of a dose is given three times 
a day, after meals. 

Sometimes a decided anaemic (bloodless) con- 
dition is present, and, for the purpose of enriching 
the blood, the following may be given: — 

Citrate of iron, 1 drachm (60 grains). 

Peppermint water, 2 ounces. 

Give one teaspoonful three times a day, after 
meals, until natural color is restored. 

Measles. — A common eruptive disease of child- 
hood, occurring rarely in adult life; is accompanied 
by more or less fever, a cough, often so severe as 
to baffle all efforts of the physician, and the specific 
rash. But as the disease usually ends in recovery, 
and, as a rule, protects a child against further at- 
tacks, it is more desirable for a child to pass through 
it than to take it later on. 

There is no particular medicine necessary, save 
to keep the bowels open with some mild laxative; 
but it is essential to protect the patient against drafts 
and sudden exposure. We have no specific for this 
disease, yet, should complications arise, it may be 
advisable to consult the family physician. 

Scarlet Fever. — The name defines the charac- 
teristics of the disease, and, accordingly, we find 
diffused red discoloration of the skin; first on the 



1 54 Care of the Sick 

chest, arid, finally, the whole body. These symptoms 
are usually accompanied by high fever and vomit- 
ing; also by inflammation of the throat and tongue, 
the latter being of a strawberry color, and some- 
times called "strawberry tongue." The disease itself 
is not necessarily dangerous, but the sequels (dis- 
eases following) are often not only alarming, but 
may, through improper treatment, remain for life. 
Among these we should mention sore eyes, running 
ears, defective hearing, defects of the mind, and 
even epilepsy. If the disease is of a mild character, 
no special medicines are required, and, as there is 
no specific known, the following may with safety 
be used: — 

Glycerine, i ounce. 
Alcohol, i ounce. 
Water, i pint. 

Apply to inflamed surface every three or four 
hours. 

As a gargle, the following may be used : — 
Chlorate of potassium, \ ounce. 
Slippery elm water, 4 ounces. 
Tincture cinnamon, \ ounce. 

Let the child gargle every hour. 

Any serious symptom or complication must be 
treated by a medical practitioner. 

Diphtheria. — This is a more dangerous affection 
than measles or scarlet fever, and is indicated by 
whitish accumulations on the tonsils (uvula) and 
throat which finally assume the character of tough 
membranes ; hence its close relationship to membran- 
eous croup. 



Specific Diseases 155 

It would be wrong to advise home treatment in 
such a formidable disease; yet it is safe to examine 
the throats of children when the least complaint is 
made ; and when the above mentioned parts are red 
and swollen, it should arouse suspicion. The same 
gargle may be used as in scarlet fever, or one com- 
posed of two drachms of alum to four ounces of 
water; but, when membranes are forming which can 
not be dislodged by gently using a swab of cotton, 
professional aid must be procured. 

The new treatment of injecting so-called anti- 
toxin is, to my mind, the most irrational procedure 
which could be devised, and I am certain it will 
not be long before it will be abandoned. I confess 
that I never have used it, yet I have treated a great 
many cases of the disease with satisfactory success. 

The following editorial is copied from the Med- 
ical Brief, page 1 198 : — 

"THE ANTITOXIN FRAUD 

"Every few days we see in the newspapers an 
account of the discovery of some new antitoxin. 
They seem to be all stillborn, as that is the first 
and the last we hear of them. 

"The truth is, the antitoxin vogue is about played 
out. At first, the novelty of the idea, and the fact 
that good results were obtained from the injections 
in certain cases of diphtheria, attracted the attention 
and favorable notice of some able men in the pro- 
fession; but they gradually discovered that it was 
the antiseptic — the carbolic acid or trikresol — which 
gave these good results, and hence they have dropped 
the serum for plain aqueous solutions of the anti- 
septic. 



156 Care of the Sick 

"The only difference to-day between a solution 
of one of these antiseptics in distilled water and 
the diphtheria serum is the impure source of water 
employed in making antitoxin. But it is no longer 
dangerous as at first. The manufacturer has learned 
by grim experience that enough of the antiseptic 
must be used to render the horse-serum absolutely 
inert. Hence he has substituted the very much more 
powerful and less poisonous trikresol for carbolic 
acid. 

"The horse-serum being carefully rendered inert, 
the only potency in antitoxin is the antiseptic. But 
is it not better to start with a hygienic solution of 
pure water than one contaminated by the presence 
of organic impurities, and requiring such thorough 
sterilization to avoid fatalities? The profession has 
answered this natural query in the affirmative. The 
majority prefer the use of distilled to tainted water 
in preparing antiseptic solutions for use in diph- 
theria. 

"Antitoxin is practically dead. The best men 
no longer use it, and were it not for the efforts of 
those concerned in the manufacture of the serum, 
it would pass into the limbo of things forgotten. 
But, of course, those to whom it is a matter of busi- 
ness will do all in their power to stimulate its wan- 
ing popularity. They will not meet with much suc- 
cess. It is too plain that antitoxin has absolutely no 
merit in itself, that all the virtue resides in the anti- 
septic, and no doctor, however obliging, cares to aid 
in perpetuating a fraud." 

Comments are unnecessary upon such manly ex- 
pressions. 



Specific Diseases 157 

Whooping-cough. — This is also an affection of 
childhood. It consists in a cough, accompanied by 
a well-known hoarse whoop, with choking parox- 
ysms. As the disease runs a somewhat definite 
course, mild cases need no special treatment; yet 
the following may be given at certain times : — 

Honey, ij ounce. 

Syrup ipecac, i ounce. 

Bromide of potassium, 1 drachm (60 grains). 

Give to a child one year old fifteen drops every 
two hours, or as often as may be necessary; older 
children in proportion to age, as has been stated. 
For severe forms, no instruction can be given, as 
such cases have to be treated by a physician. 

Croup. — Also a disease of children, consisting in 
a more or less accumulation of a tough mucous secre- 
tion following severe inflammation of the throat 
and head of windpipe (pharynx). The danger in 
this affection is of the child's being suffocated to 
death, or it may run into true croup (membraneous 
croup), one of the most dangerous affections known. 

But in the beginning, when hoarseness indicates 
the trouble, the neck should be poulticed with flax- 
seed meal and hot water, to which may be added 
some lard. This should be applied lukewarm, and 
the bowels kept loose. For croupous symptoms the 
following may be given : — 

Syrup ipecac, 1 ounce. 
Camphor water, \ ounce. 
Fennel water, J ounce. 

Give a child one year old ten to fifteen drops 
every half hour; older children in proportion. Keep 



158 Care of the Sick 

on hand, also, the pure syrup of ipecac, and when 
choking or suffocation is threatened, give fifteen to 
thirty drops in warm water every fifteen minutes 
until free vomiting takes place, when the child may 
be considered out of danger. To children above 
one year old, it must, of course, be given in propor- 
tion to their age. 

If the disease turns into true, or what is called 
membraneous, croup, showing alarming symptoms 
of choking and a very peculiar, fretful look, a physi- 
cian must be summoned at once. 

Erysipelas. — This disease is characterized by an 
eruption in the beginning, usually on the face, and 
spreading rapidly. In the beginning, a purgative 
of epsom salts may be given to clear the bowels, and 
the affected part encircled with tincture of iodine, 
to prevent as much as possible any further spreading. 
Afterward, the following may be freely applied to 
the whole inflamed skin, with a feather or camel's- 
hair brush : — 

Glycerine, alcohol, each 1 ounce. 

To be repeated as often as skin gets dry. 

If this is unsuccessful, after a thorough trial, it 
will be advisable to consult a physician. 

Smallpox. — It would be out of the question to 
present any treatment for such a formidable disease, 
and, justly, health officers have to superintend 
such cases. Therefore, it is the duty of every per- 
son to report at once any suspicious case, in order 
to establish a correct diagnosis, and to institute such 
measures as are necessary for the benefit of the 
patient, as well as for the safety of the population. 



Specific Diseases 159 

Owing to more sanitary surroundings and increased 
personal cleanliness, smallpox is decidedly on the 
decrease, and will finally be extinguished altogether. 

Typhoid Fever. — This very severe disease is sup- 
posed to be caused by a great variety of influences, 
but the profession has not been able to advance any 
positive theory. It would be out of the sphere of 
this work to enter into a full discussion of that sub- 
ject. Suffice it to say that the presence of fever every 
evening, with increased rise of temperature, accom- 
panied by severe headache, with wandering of the 
mind and no sleep, with discharges of a very peculiar 
and unusual composition, should rouse suspicion as 
to the presence of that disease, and a physician 
should be called immediately. 

Consumption and Tuberculosis. — In the follow- 
ing resume I desire to present my opinion of these 
conditions, based on study and practical experience. 
I claim no infallibility, but priority, because differ- 
ing from many pathologists or bacteriologists; yet 
the profession, it is hoped, will give this essay care- 
ful and kind consideration, because these diseases 
are increasing to an alarming degree and proving 
universally destructive to life. In fact, the medical 
profession, up to date, is almost at a loss how to 
combat them. I have therefore deemed it advisable 
to discuss the subject somewhat at length, in order 
to enlighten the reader as much as possible as to 
the real nature, causes, prevention, and treatment 
of both conditions in a rational spirit. I will do 
so at least to the extent that the general public can 
reasonably be expected to fully comprehend. 



160 Care of the Sick 

But, in order to render a clear exposition of these 
conditions, it will be profitable to discuss each sep- 
arately; also to touch upon the transformation from 
one to the other, as well as to consider certain com- 
plications. 

The cardinal point which I wish to prominently 
emphasize concentrates in the general principle that 
tuberculosis and consumption (phthisis) are pri- 
marily two distinct and quite different affections; 
because tuberculosis is dependent upon and caused 
by the formation and accumulation of products di 
faulty nutrition and their deposition in various parts 
of the tissues and organs of the body, while con- 
sumption (proper) causes wasting and destruction 
of structures; yet, under certain conditions, which 
will be discussed later on, by a complication, or, 
rather, a submerging of one into the other, tubercu- 
losis in an advanced state surrenders to a degenera- 
tive consumptive (cachectic, phthisical) condition, 
where partial or total destruction finally results. 

Tuberculosis, general or pulmonary, is simply 
caused by the formation and deposition of tubercle 
products, and is not caused, as seems to be accepted, 
by insufficient nutrition, but is dependent upon and 
favored by aberrations of assimilation and faulty 
and perverted nutrition, through which process, 
along with the lymph, plastic materials are con- 
veyed to various structures of the body which have 
not been needed or were not desirable in the organ- 
ism, and which were not eliminated along with other 
excretions. And, by more or less conveyance, a final 
accumulation is the natural result, so that the in- 
crease in bulk may interfere with the functions of 



Specific Diseases 161 

the organs, and later on cause an irritating influence; 
and, according to situation, owing to certain degrees 
of pressure, disintegration of such masses takes place 
and final destruction, not only of themselves, but 
also of neighboring structures, results. The most 
prominent effects of this destructive process are 
found in the lungs, causing the so-called pulmonary 
tuberculosis. Such condition is in a far less degree 
found in other parts of the body, on serous mem- 
branes in the chest and abdomen, which we will pres- 
ently see. 

In order to appreciate the real cause and origin 
of tubercle formations, we may very profitably com- 
pare tuberculosis of the human with that of cattle, 
principally the milk cow, which later has been des- 
ignated as tuberculosis (perhucht, stiersucht, by 
Germans) of cattle, as a more general condition, and 
pulmonary tuberculosis as lung epidemic (lungen- 
seuche by Germans), as a local affection, at least in 
the incipient stage. 

More than fifty years ago, when a boy of fifteen, 
my father, who occupied the position of veterinary 
surgeon in Germany, caused to be slaughtered many 
cows affected either with general or pulmonary tu- 
berculosis. After the death of these animals there was 
found, in general tuberculosis, more or less abundant 
masses of tubercle deposits, principally on the mem- 
branes covering the organs of the chest and abdo- 
men ; but when in the lungs, these organs were found 
often of materially increased size, and one section 
showed a solidified structure somewhat resembling 
colored marble, in the incipient stage, through which 



1 1 



1 62 Care of the Sick 

the air cells were filled with plastic materials, not 
of inflammatory origin, but consisting really of tu- 
bercle accumulations. The first symptoms of other- 
wise well-nourished cows are somewhat laborious 
breathing, a peculiar glary glistening of the eye-balls, 
and a fretful deportment. My father became, in the 
course of time, an expert diagnostician (without hav- 
ing recourse to the modern experiment of testing cows 
for tuberculosis with tuberculin) , and was thereby en- 
abled to detect the disease in its early development, 
and advised the owners to kill such animals, so that 
their meat could be used with perfect safety in the 
household. If such a course was not pursued, such 
tubercle masses would in course of time break down 
and slough (as it were), accompanied by destruction 
of tissues of surrounding structures, and finally lead 
into a putrefactive and gangrenous state, indicated by 
fetid expectoration, and ending in general consump- 
tion (cachexia) and death. In bulls serving a large 
herd, or draft oxen, or such steers as were quickly 
fattened, such diseases were of very rare occurrence. 
Now, there naturally arises the question, Why 
are milk cows principally so affected ? To this ques- 
tion it may safely be answered (contrary to other 
theories) that cows, as a rule, for the purpose of 
increasing their milk productiveness, receive an un- 
usual amount of very nourishing food, through which 
are conveyed to the organism, along with the blood, 
products not needed for the production of milk or 
for the maintenance of the animal economy, and, not 
being eliminated along with other effete matters of 
the bowels, become deposited, as before explained. 



Specific Diseases 163 

Pulmonary and general tuberculosis in cattle are 
almost analogous to a like condition in the human 
subject, so far, at least, as the primary cause is con- 
cerned. But we must consider the fact that cows re- 
ceive a lesser and simpler variety of food, as well 
as enjoy the benefit of an open-air pasture (especially 
in this country) and good water; hence it requires 
a considerably longer period for tuberculous depos- 
its to reach a decomposed state, causing consump- 
tion, than in the case of the human subject. 

While tuberculous deposits, in their incipiency, 
may not be classed as strictly diseased, but rather as 
useless formations, yet if in time a change of life and 
diet does not take place, or if such products be not 
rendered immune by a cornifying or calcifying 
process, through which, as it were, a line of demar- 
cation is secured, preserving healthy tissues from 
further destruction, then, of course, these tubercle 
formations will finally soften, breaking down, and 
becoming not only disintegrated themselves, but af- 
fecting surrounding tissues of organs, followed by 
the same result, the ending of life by general con- 
sumption. 

In the human races, principally among the higher 
civilized nations, who indulge in a great variety of 
natural, artificially prepared, or often adulterated 
foods ; who occupy unhealthy apartments, with un- 
hygienic surroundings and want of sufficient fresh 
air; who engage in deleterious occupations in fac- 
tories, mines, or other places of employment, where 
too many persons are crowded into inadequate spaces, 
a tuberculous condition often passes very rapidly 
into a state of general consumption. But such in- 



164 Care of the Sick 

fluences can not be considered as exclusive causes; 
for, if so, better situated persons would be exempt 
from such diseases, which is by no means a fact. 
Therefore, we have to look into other features in or- 
der to find more universal causes, applicable to all 
classes of people, so that each individual may receive 
appropriate instruction. 

The most common cause is faulty nutrition, by 
which is meant, not insufficient food, but insufficient 
and faulty assimilation by reason of imperfect diges- 
tion, and lack of exercise in the open air; and many 
other causes which are discussed in Parts First and 
Second of this work. 

We may now investigate the merits and real na- 
ture of the so-called tubercle bacillus, discovered by 
Koch, some fifteen years ago, in the expectoration 
of consumptives, as well as in the organism after 
death, and announced by him as the real cause of 
both tuberculosis and consumption. And, while it 
may be considered, to some extent, a scientific 
achievement, in probably confirming a diagnosis, 
yet I have never found any great difficulty in making 
a correct diagnosis without having to resort to a 
bacteriological examination. This, however, it is ad- 
mitted, should not be considered final or conclusive. 

As a proof that this specific bacillus is not the 
cause, but simply the effect, of pulmonary tubercu- 
losis, it is a fact that its presence can only be proven 
after the degeneration and destruction of tubercles 
have fairly advanced, in which state the specific bacil- 
lus finds a favorable field for propagation and mul- 
tiplication. Such a fact is verified by a comparison 
with fresh meat, cheese, and many other substances 



Specific Diseases 165 

in which no animal or vegetable life can be seen 
excepting where, by natural causes, such products 
undergo a state of decomposition, when maggots, or 
other vermin, will appear. When transferred to 
fresh and healthy materials, these vermin perish, as 
such animal parasites can live only in decomposed 
or putrefied matter. Hence, as the bacilli never 
are found in healthy tissues, they can no more be 
the cause of tuberculosis than maggots are the cause 
of decomposition in cheese, meats, etc. 

Now, all the efforts to kill these bacilli in order 
to stamp out (?) tuberculosis and to prevent their 
entrance into the organism of healthy individuals, 
will prove the illusory character of the theory; hence 
all such measures must prove fruitless, even if such 
a destroying work could be effected. And the 
rationale is apparent, that when healthy tissue is 
protected against the danger of taking part in a de- 
structive process in the lungs, and there remains 
sufficient healthy tissue to secure necessary functional 
activity, the bacilli will perish by being deprived of 
a favorable field of existence and reproduction. 

In the foregoing I have endeavored to present 
this matter so plainly and explicitly that any think- 
ing reader can grasp its truth. We have already 
seen how tuberculosis of the lungs passes, under cer- 
tain circumstances, into pulmonary consumption, 
and that such state constitutes the so-called tubercu- 
losis with expectoration, in which, no doubt, the 
bacilli are found. 

Now, it is evident that a contiuous destruction 
of lung tissue lessens the ability to supply the blood 
with the necessary oxygen for its purification and 



1 66 Care of the Sick 

enrichment. And this lack in that vital fluid must 
in time exert a very deleterious influence on the 
organism, followed by wasting of tissues, profound 
anaemia, emaciation, and death. 

If in the incipient stage, by observing all the rules 
of proper hygiene, assisted by cautious medication, 
expectoration will lessen, and, as before stated, a 
cornifying or calcifying transformation of tubercles 
takes place, and the diseased tissues are prevented 
from farther spreading, so that sufficient lung tissue 
remains for a reasonable oxygenation and purifi- 
cation of the blood, a cure, to all intents and pur- 
poses, has been accomplished. Thus the person so 
afflicted, by adhering to a proper mode of living, 
many enjoy many years of comparatively good 
health. 

We must now turn to the so-called tuberculosis 
without expectoration, and such a condition differs 
from the foregoing only in that the serous mem- 
branes (abdominal tuberculosis) are the places of 
deposit, and neighboring organs take no pronounced 
part in the destructive process; hence its very slow 
development is apparent. Such conditions are often 
difficult to diagnose, except in an advanced stage, 
when their bulk or irritating influence interferes with 
the function of the organs, or when a decided decom- 
position and sloughing announce a state of con- 
sumption. 

The presence of tubercle formations as products 
of faulty nutrition, where functional activity of the 
organs is not seriously impaired, permits of another 
proposition of the analogy between these products 
and the various kinds of tumors, growths, benign and 



Specific Diseases i(yj 

malignant; and we must assume that all such ab- 
normal growths are caused by faulty nutrition and 
assimilation in a like manner. When such are 
classed as benign and malignant tumors, the benign 
are merely an accumulation of plastic material, and 
may only interfere by their bulk in pressing on neigh- 
boring structures, while malignant structures absorb 
poisonous materials from the system, just as a poison 
plant derives its poison principally from the soil or 
from the air. This is also the case in cancerous 
growths, in which, along with cell products, dele- 
terious substances which should have been elimi- 
nated by the kidneys, liver, or digestive tract are also 
conveyed along with such plastic materials, and, no 
doubt, form, in that way, malignant growths. This 
principle may be found rather unique, yet it will 
stand the test of rational reasoning. If there 
exists a case of emaciation without tubercular origin, 
such a state is caused by insufficient or unhealthy 
food, exposures, or hardships, through which dete- 
rioration of vital fluids takes place, and final disso- 
lution of the organism, ending in death by partial 
or entire starvation. While such conditions are 
found in the vast majority of instances amongst the 
indigent population, yet isolated cases may be found 
among the better situated, where it is not dependent 
upon quantity or quality of food, but insufficient 
assimilation and inadequate nutrition, with all their 
consequences. In the incipient stages of such con- 
sumptive state the patient may be restored to health 
if the proper want is supplied, so that normal func- 
tions can be restored and maintained. By adequate 
nourishment the organism may recuperate and the 



1 68 Care of the Sick 

wasted tissues be replenished, or, in other words, 
re-establishment of health be achieved. 

Acquirement of Pulmonary Tuberculosis. — It 
has already been remarked that the specific bacillus 
can not be the exciting cause of tuberculosis; hence 
the fear of transferring these microbes from person 
to person, or from the sputum (expectoration) of 
patients, inhaled in some way, or by means of milk 
from tuberculous (?) cows, is far more illusory than 
real, and such theory of infection never will be 
proved beyond a doubt. 

For the sake of science, and as a proof of my 
thorough conviction, I would willingly expose my- 
self any time and in any manner to such sources of 
infection without the least fear for my health or life; 
and have often made such test in the presence of 
many spectators more than twenty years ago. 

The supposition that consumption is hereditary 
is so far plausible that a certain predisposition may 
be inherited from the parents, especially by the 
daughter from the father and by the son from the 
mother; but never the actual disease from person to 
person. In other words, weakly parents can not be 
expected to beget robust children, but constitutional 
defects must influence offspring accordingly. 

Prevention (Prophylaxis). — For the purpose of 
stamping out tuberculosis of the lungs (consumption 
of the lungs), many measures have been suggested 
and urged ; but it is very much to be regretted that 
the majority of medical reformers or officers of 
boards of health cling to so-called authorities who 
seem to apply mere speculation or illusory theories 
to imaginary principles, and so to direct their whole 



Specific Diseases 169 

attention to finding means for the destruction of the 
tubercle bacilli and to the supposition that they have 
thereby solved the problem; yet all such efforts will 
not only prove disappointing, but will, according to 
my judgment, continue to be void of practical results. 

The only hope of eradicating these very destruc- 
tive diseases can be realized only through hygienic 
reform, as the most essential factor, and therefore, to 
avoid repetition, the reader's attention is specially 
directed to Parts First and Second of this work. 

Management and Treatment. — Up to the pres- 
ent time, fruitless efforts have been made to find a 
specific, or certain cure, for tuberculosis 'or con- 
sumption. Among others may be mentioned tuber- 
culin (Koch), lysol, creosote, intravenous injections, 
Sanosin, besides certain special methods; yet all of 
these will prove, in the future, as in the past, sad 
disappointments to the sufferers, to many of whom 
some of these so-called remedies have been positively 
injurious. It is therefore plain that to treat such a 
formidable disease requires an experienced, compe- 
tent, and very conservative physician, who will make 
each case a special study, and modify his treatment 
according to special indications, and then see that his 
instructions as to proper hygiene are strictly carried 
out. This will prove far more valuable than all 
medicines combined, which often rob a patient of 
the last trace of appetite. 

Nevertheless, medicines are sometimes impera- 
tive, and if the physician has given such hygienic 
instructions he will attend to any complications or 
special indications as they may arise, and be at all 
times very cautious, so that such medicaments are 



170 Care of the Sick 

administered as will not in the least disturb diges- 
tion or deprive a patient of proper nutrition, the 
sheet anchor of permanent cure. 

From the time when consumption began increas- 
ing in severity, as well as in number of victims, many 
special methods have been proposed and practised; 
but, after the test of experience, have been aban- 
doned. And this will perhaps be the fate of others 
yet to be advanced as sure cures. But I fear that 
not only disappointment on the part of patients, but 
injurious effects on their organism, will be the sad 
result — out of all proportion to real benefits derived. 

The most reliance must be placed upon proper 
food, fresh air, and sunshine, moderate outdoor ex- 
ercise when possible, and thorough ventilation of 
apartments at night not on ground floors, but in sec- 
ond stories or attics, where the air is purer and richer 
than below, and also upon maintaining proper diges- 
tion and assimilation. 

Grip; Grippe (German) ; La Grippe (French). 
— Although with a certain aversion, I place the 
above heading over the following disease, because 
these words mean, "Take hold," "to grasp*," "to 
pinch," etc.; but such designations are misnomers. 
Physicians call it influenza, and, more distinctively, 
epidemic catarrh, embracing a complication rather 
than an isolated disease, and doctors often, for want 
of a better name, to satisfy the inquisitive, call a 
great variety of conditions simply "grip." 

The cause of these disorders seems to depend 
upon certain atmospheric and climatic influences, 
the nature of which has not as yet been satisfactorily 
revealed, and the disorder is classed, with some pro- 



Specific Diseases 171 

priety, among the specific diseases. While the re- 
spiratory organs are principally affected, yet com- 
plications, such as malaria, rheumatism, nervous dis- 
turbances, as well as affections of other organs and 
structures of the body, present themselves. 

As we have no specific for such complicated dis- 
orders, and inasmuch as the disease runs rather a 
mild course, and, if properly treated, is rarely fatal 
to life, therefore energetic treatment is seldom called 
for. The principal treatment consists in avoiding 
direct drafts, as well as overheated apartments not 
provided with proper ventilation. 

Special conditions, such as constipation, diar- 
rhoea, malaria, as well as an annoying cough, should 
be treated as has been pointed out under special 
heading in the division of "Common Diseases/' 

The diet should be of the very simplest kind, as 
has been mentioned in detail in Part First of this 
work; hence no special directions seem to be called 
for in this connection. 

It must be remembered that, if stomach and bow- 
els, as well as kidneys and liver, perform their des- 
tined duties, or are carefully assisted to do so, the 
whole organism will soon recover its former healthy 
condition, and no serious consequences may be ex- 
pected. All overmedication does far more harm 
than good, and we would better give nature the op- 
portunity to help itself. 



CHAPTER V 

PROPER CARE OF THE SICK 

In the care of the sick, a great deal depends upon 
the nurse and nursing. It must not be supposed that 
such a person must needs be specially trained for 
that purpose, because any sensible and experienced 
woman may be just as acceptable, especially when 
amongst less favorably situated people, where ex- 
penses are to be taken into consideration. 

As a matter of fact, a near relative or friend of 
a patient will naturally, owing to intimacy and de- 
voted love, feel more sympathy for a patient than 
a strange person. And it may be questioned if a 
so-called trained nurse, no matter what ordinary vir- 
tues the individual may possess, is able to preserve 
such an unimpaired interest because of constant con- 
nection with the sick of very different emotions, 
character, and habits, being accustomed to cries of 
pain and often exaggeration of feelings on the part 
of nervous patients ; while a relative will be more 
apt to preserve a sympathetic and lovable disposition 
in spite of occasional outbursts of ill nature. 

A well-conducted nursing, by which the hopeful 
spirit of a patient is strengthened, often exerts a 
greater influence towards recovery than all medi- 
cines. It should at all times be the duty of the nurse 
to appear in the sick room with a firm but sympa- 
thetic spirit, so that the patient may have the utmost 
confidence and a hope of final recovery. 

As to the attending physician, he should, as a 
172 



Proper Care of the Sick IJ2 

rule, approach a patient with earnestness, yet with 
kindness of feeling, addressing some well-chosen 
words, and inquiring carefully and very cautiously 
into the patient's condition, and acting according to 
his honest judgment as far as possible. If symptoms 
should be at all alarming, a physician must preserve 
at all times presence of mind; and any question that 
may serve to increase the anxiety and fear of a pa- 
tient should be asked outside of the sick chamber. 

The physician should also take particular pains 
to instruct the nurse as well as relatives not to in- 
quire in the presence of the patient as to the possible 
prospect or results of a disease ; but should dangerous 
symptoms develop, to report to him confidentially 
outside the patient's room. And it must be left en- 
tirely to the physician's discretion what should be 
imparted to the patient. It is now and then very 
excusable if a physician holds out certain hopes of 
the recovery of a patient, rather contrary to his best 
judgment; but it must be done with the greatest pru- 
dence, to be sure of avoiding a later disappointment 
or censure. 

Visitors, before entering the sick room, should 
be cautioned not to discuss the disease with the pa- 
tient, but, in conversation, which, by the way, 
should be as restricted as possible, expression of 
hope for recovery may be given, discussing mat- 
ters of a pleasing nature, so as to divert the 
thought of the sick person as much as possible 
from the disease. I have witnessed bad conse- 
quences from visitors expressing, in the presence 
of a patient, a certain anxiety and fear for his 
condition, such as remarking, "You do not seem to 



174 Care of the Sick 

be any better," or, "You seem worse," or giving ad- 
vice to prepare for death if things don't improve, 
etc. Such suggestions have often the effect of chang- 
ing a rather mild disease to a serious one, or at least 
of lessening a hope of recovery on the part of a 
patient. And if, as it sometimes really happens, the 
mental depression increases prostration and hastens 
death, the attending physician is censured or criti- 
cized for the indiscretions of others. 

There is another error often committed in con- 
tinually animating a patient to take nourishment, 
while a very reserved encouragement often suffices. 
Now, we must consider that, when neither hunger 
nor thirst (as the case may be) is experienced, we 
should not lose sight of the fact that any food enter- 
ing the stomach unprepared to receive such supply 
will only annoy and burden that organ, and may 
result in atonic dyspepsia, thus acting as a really 
injurious element. Let us be mindful that the en- 
tire absence of appetite is very often a warning of 
nature that the organs of digestion are needing rest 
in order to regain former normal activity. The gen- 
eral rule should be always observed that real hunger 
or thirst should be considered as the only inducement 
to eat or to drink. 

In exceptional instances, appetite may be fero- 
cious, and the physician and nurse have to insist on 
moderation and restriction as to quantity or quality 
at a certain meal, because such imprudence will be 
followed by injurious consequences. 

Water has been, especially by older physicians, 
often prohibited; but, happily, such is not the general 
custom nowadays. It is advisable never to allow a 



Proper Care of the Sick 175 

patient to suffer thirst, although the quantity taken 
may be somewhat regulated according to circum- 
stances. 

Fresh and pure air should at all times have free 
access into the sick chamber, and for this reason the 
number of visitors should be restricted as much as 
possible, so that the air in the sick room may be kept 
as pure as possible, even aside from the annoyance of 
many visitors at one time. 

Ventilation is at all times imperatively demanded, 
and, if no other elaborate provisions are at hand, a 
most simple and at the same time inexpensive method 
consists in lowering, more or less, the upper window 
sashes. This serves the purpose very well, and at 
the same time secures a patient against direct drafts, 
so injurious in many diseases. 

A certain belief is somewhat prevalent that light 
should be excluded from sick rooms. While it may 
be necessary in some exceptional circumstances to 
have the apartment darkened, as when a patient is 
sleeping, yet at most other times the room should be 
light, as this has the advantage of brightening the 
mind of the sick and preventing brooding over some 
object in the dark. 

It is also self-evident that patients, as well as 
apartments, should be kept scrupulously clean, and, 
by proper ventilation, there will be scarcely any 
special need for obnoxious disinfectants, the smell 
of which is often sufficient to make a person feel sick. 
In contagious diseases the use of such disinfectants 
must be left to the direction of the attending physi- 
cian. 



CHAPTER VI 

RULES FOR CONVALESCENTS 

Rules for Convalescents. — When a patient has re- 
covered from the effects of a disease, and is in need 
of recuperation, it is a great error, though prompted 
by anxiety, to make unusual efforts to replace lost 
strength and vigor in the shortest possible time by 
forcing, as it were, highly nutritious diet upon the 
convalescent. The food should not be irrational, 
either in quantity or quality. We must not lose sight 
of the fact that it is not the amount of food taken 
which may give adequate nourishment and replenish- 
ment, but such parts of it as will be properly digested 
and assimilated. Therefore the greatest caution must 
be exercised, and due discrimination made in the 
selection of food, as well as in the proper intervals 
between meals, so that the weakened system may re- 
ceive sufficient nourishment without overcrowding 
and forcing an undue action of the digestive organs. 
Often the most undesirable consequences have fol- 
lowed the neglect of such precautions, even proving, 
in some cases, beyond rectification. At least a re- 
lapse may take place, even worse than the primary 
disease had been. 

The best food for a convalescent is a plain, 
nourishing diet, in moderate quantities, plenty of 
fresh, pure air, outdoor exercise in such a degree as 
returning strength will permit, and such useful rec- 
reation as occasion affords. 



176 



CHAPTER VII 

OLD AGE 

We have begun this book with the rearing of 
children, followed the human life through all stages 
to a full maturity, when at last the young men and 
women, as parents, step into our places to fulfil their 
destined mission in life by providing for the per- 
petuation of the human race. The mother, in giving 
birth to her child and assuming the sacred duty of 
providing for the newborn, must appreciate the 
importance of the first nourishment, as well as the 
necessary care in conducting its progress in life; in 
which duties a tender husband and devoted father 
will be, of course, her faithful and confidential as- 
sistant and adviser. And such order of succession 
must take place as long as the human race exists. 

As years advance, after all anxiety, worry, and 
care for children, the individual ought to reach a 
ripe old age. It is a natural instinct that most peo- 
ple desire to enjoy quite long lives, yet comparatively 
few are willing to comply with nature's laws. 

The enjoyment of comparative good health for 
three-quarters of a century or over may now be con- 
sidered as acquiring a ripe old age; nevertheless, his- 
tory tells us of individuals who lived several centu- 
ries, yet we can not expect to return to the advantages 
of ancient times. 

There is no mystery as to the means of attaining 
a high age before the expression "senility" would 
be appropriately applied, and it may be said that 

177 
12 



178 Care of the Sick 

such age is not unapproachable if the individual 
will study the present work thoroughly and comply 
with all the conditions favorable to health and lon- 
gevity. 

That persons die early or reach prematurely a 
state of senility is, as a general rule, but a punishment 
for indulging many avoidable indiscretions; hence 
they must accept the consequences. 

So I would earnestly advise the reader to follow 
the precepts contained in this work as closely as his 
station in life will permit, and he will receive full 
reward in the enjoyment of health, and in securing 
a long and happy life. Thus the mission of this book 
may be fulfilled. 



ADDENDA 

The Physician 

It is safe to say that the conduct and influence of 
a model physician are inestimable, and it is with a 
kind of hesitancy that I attempt to discuss this sub- 
ject, for fear of being accused of prejudice or of 
being opinionated ; yet I feel it a duty to the public 
to present my humble sentiments, so as to enable, 
perhaps, the reader better to judge for himself in 
making a proper selection of a family physician. 
It is of the utmost importance to engage a good- 
hearted, honest, faithful, and competent doctor, a 
man who will be worthy of all confidence and nec- 
essary encouragement in his labor, so as to be ap- 
preciated and protected against injustice and un- 
deserved criticism. 

It is a fact that most people have exaggerated 
ideas as to the wonderful things a physician can 
or should accomplish, while in reality he is, in most 
instances, only able to give nature a gentle aid. 
There exists, even in the minds of many medical 
men, a good degree of imagination or assumption re- 
garding the grand services they are able to render 
by prescribing a lot of medicine for the cure (?) 
of disease. So, also, a good many parade as being 
most highly educated in the healing art, and seem 
to think that it requires an elaborate theoretical edu- 
cation to be a competent practitioner. But I re- 
member that one of my old professors said, in his 
farewell lecture : "Now, young men, you have re- 

179 



180 Addenda 

ceived an elaborate instruction in the many depart- 
ments of the healing art, and no doubt such knowl- 
edge will remain fresh in your memories for some 
time to come; but, finally, one-half, perhaps, will 
be forgotten. I must remind you not to forget the 
one-half which is of actual practical utility and value 
in your practise, because that counts; and you must 
refresh and enrich that half constantly by careful 
observation and rational reasoning. Do not forget 
practical anatomy, the principles of physiology, and, 
above all, do not forget my instructions on hygiene; 
and if you follow a conservative spirit in your daily 
practise, observing proper conduct in the sick room, 
and striving to be faithful servants of nature, your 
final success is assured. It may not bring you a 
fortune in a short time, but you will be a beloved 
and honored neighbor, and an admired and respected 
doctor." 

Such golden words are worthy of remembrance, 
and should form the cornerstone of our medical edi- 
fice, in full spiritual meaning. 

Doctors first had to absolve a two years' course, 
then a three years' course, and at present they have 
a four years' course; and the superficial thinker may 
imagine that nowadays it requires such an extended 
time to become competent to practise medicine. But 
it seems to me that the real cause is to be found in 
the medical colleges, whose courses are planned for 
the purpose of securing financial advantages and 
for diminishing the unproportionate increase of 
doctors. Young men, from diverse motives, select 
the study of medicine. Often it is not a matter of 
choice as a profession, but is chosen because of the 



The Physician 181 

supposition that a physician's life requires no hard 
labor, but is, nevertheless, well compensated. 

My old professor of practise used to say that 
"elaborate theoretical knowledge is far overshad- 
owed by good common sense, acute and correct judg- 
ment, and mechanical skill; and that the possession 
of such qualities could never be equalized or com- 
pensated for by elaborate theoretical knowledge." 

It is self-evident that a practical knowledge of 
the fundamental branches in medicine is impera- 
tively necessary, but to go beyond that may be left 
to the fancy of students desiring to possess something 
to forget, excepting when, as prospective teachers, 
special branches may be studied to the neglect of 
others. 

It is a common occurrence for graduates in med- 
icine to leave school with medals and high honors, 
to become utter failures in practise, because the re- 
quirements previously mentioned are wanting. On 
the other hand, students who hardly passed an ex- 
amination have reached a high pinnacle as successful 
practitioners. 

The practise of medicine has not and never will 
become an exact science, and doctors will continue 
to make errors or commit real blunders both in diag- 
nosis and in treatment. And so many cling to ex- 
perimentation ; yet if such experiments were made 
with mild and simple remedies, no harm could re- 
sult, while strong and poisonous mixtures are not 
only injurious to health, but may also cause death. 

Another feature must also be considered, namely, 
that a doctor is expected to present a respectable 
appearance, which means that he must wear good 



1 82 Addenda 

clothes and possess a fine office outfit and carriage, 
as well as provide for his family in a manner cor- 
responding to his assumed station in life, all of which 
entails very heavy expense. Owing to sharp compe- 
tition almost everywhere, by a constantly increasing 
number of physicians, the burden of this expense is 
greatly increased. A well-to-do and senior doctor 
can easily brave it out, for he has the advantage as 
family physician, often among very wealthy patrons, 
of securing, at any rate, a good income; while the 
young but poor doctor has to contend against all pos- 
sible disadvantages, no matter what his personal fit- 
ness or ability. Thus he is often left to his fate, or 
is obliged to retire to localities where sharp compe- 
tition is out of the question. If he prefers to re- 
main, however, he has to resort to questionable meth- 
ods, such as the deception of patients, playing the 
hypocrite in joining a church or entering lodges, and 
such other societies, in order to force himself into 
society and secure a remunerative practise. 

A luxuriant, finely fitted office, with costly instru- 
ments and appliances, attracts the attention of the 
general public, who entertain the foolish belief that 
such a doctor must possess superior knowledge, and 
therefore renders extraordinary service. But there 
is no doubt that, in many such offices, questionable 
manipulations are often practised for the purpose 
of fleecing patrons. 

It is very much to be regretted that it requires 
very questionable qualities to acquire financial suc- 
cess, or to "make money," as the saying goes; and 
many advance the idea that the public wants to be 



The Surgeon 183 

humbugged. This is exemplified by the many jokes 
and sarcastic, ironical, and covert hinting at doctors 
which appear not only in the lay press, but also in 
medical journals, which present them for amusement 
and probable instruction. The real reform would 
simply consist in having doctors in less numbers, but 
the faithful and conservative more numerous. 

The Surgeon 

In reference to surgical aid, it must be admitted 
that a very conservative and competent surgeon, who 
possesses, besides knowledge and skill, a sympathetic 
nature and a philanthropic spirit, ought to be, in 
any community, considered as a most desirable ac- 
quisition and a great blessing to mankind. On the 
other hand, a bold, unscrupulous, and reckless sur- 
geon who only aims to carry out the extreme limits 
for lucrative compensation, will be a curse to hu- 
manity, and it is to be regretted that no provision 
can be made to expel such a man from the ranks 
of the profession. 

There is another point worthy of special men- 
tion, namely, that a doctor will consider himself 
competent to perform an operation which an ex- 
perienced surgeon probably would hesitate to un- 
dertake. Yet such a surgeon (?) may have two spe- 
cial objects in view — to make himself prominent as 
a great surgeon, and to reap pecuniary compensa- 
tion for services often of very doubtful utility. It 
is fortunate for humanity that such fellows constitute 
a minority in the profession ; otherwise the deception 
would have no limit. 

We must always be mindful that, in any branch 



184 Addenda 

of the healing art, nature has to do the most; and 
this applies also to surgery, because a surgeon can 
not unite a broken bone, nor heal a wound; he can 
only adjust the parts of a broken bone or coaptate 
the borders of a wound, while nature must accom- 
plish the healing. 

There is also much said about the advancement 
and achievements of modern surgery and the sup- 
posed lessening of mortality from operations. Yet 
a moment's reflection will make it clear beyond a 
doubt that a large percentage of the operations per- 
formed in these times would have been considered 
unnecessary or too dangerous in former times. 

Further, former surgeons operated only to re- 
move decidedly diseased structures, often in a state 
of gangrene, having infiltrated neighboring tissues; 
hence a greater mortality after actual operations 
could be expected. Now, it must be admitted, the 
knife is used very early, often prematurely, and also 
to invade parts not actually diseased, or such as are 
known not to be imperatively necessary to sustain 
life ; hence they are made subject to some triumph ( ?) 
of modern surgery. 

Statistical tables presented to prove the success 
of present surgery are very misleading and incor- 
rect, being tabulated by enthusiastic surgeons to 
prove the superior skill and success of modern and 
antiseptic surgery. It is a fact that surgeons of the 
present day possess more boldness and dexterity 
through utilizing the achievements of older surgeons 
who had to deal with far greater difficulties than 
those of the present time. 



The Surgeon 185 

The fact that, in former times, operations were 
performed without chloroform, or other anaesthetic, 
explains the higher death-rate especially, because 
more than half of the persons operated upon died 
of shock caused by the severe pain which they suf- 
fered; while at present, for the simplest operation, 
either a general or a local anaesthetic is used. And 
operations are performed now which older surgeons 
never would have thought necessary. 

There are surgeons at present, who, for the sake 
of operating, or to make money, remove or mutilate 
parts which are known not to be imperatively es- 
sential to life; as, for example, the appendix, the 
ovaries, spleen, one kidney, prepuce in both sexes — 
formerly mostly in males, but lately in females — 
with a boldness and impudence that justify the se- 
verest criticism and condemnation. Many opera- 
tions are done through a wrongly conceived indi- 
cation, for lucrative remuneration, or merely to 
gratify a desire of patrons to rid themselves of cer- 
tain parts of their anatomy. But such unscrupulous 
acts degrade the noble art of surgery, and it is high 
time that a voice be raised to enlighten the people 
on these subjects, that reckless surgeons may be re- 
buked. 

Another point is also worthy of notice, which is, 
that the utmost cleanliness may dispense with the 
extensive and problematical practise of so-called 
antiseptic surgery in treating wounds and perform- 
ing operations. When diseased structures or foreign 
substances are removed, the oozing out of healthy 
blood is the most admirable antiseptic, and a most 



1 86 Addenda 

desirable factor in the healing process. If a wound 
be free from dirt or other foreign substances, even 
if the cut is not a smooth one, if proper coaptation 
can be made by sutures — or, far preferably, by strips 
of adhesive plaster properly applied — the healing 
process will be shortened very materially, and the 
need of disturbing a wound by removing the stitches 
is also dispensed with. Too much water used (if 
any) in cleansing a wound causes too much dilution 
of the blood plasma, and this material, which seals 
a wound perfectly, is partially destroyed; and thus 
the healing process is prolonged, because blood is 
the best antiseptic. It is self-evident that, when the 
injury is severe, or larger arteries are divided, a sur- 
geon is the proper person to attend to the case, as 
only a surgeon can do so in a skillful and delicate 
manner. 

We must now at least remind the reader that 
suggestion also plays a very important part in the 
domain of surgery, and success is more dependent 
upon that power than upon anything else, which, 
at first sight, may not be realized. The firm con- 
fidence that an injury would not be serious, or, when 
an operation was really necessary, approaching the 
surgeon's table with courage and firmness, with the 
full hope of recovery, has saved many patients from 
shock to the nervous system. Thus it has occurred 
that patients who were operated upon by rather un- 
skilled surgeons recovered, while others, under the 
hand of more skillful and experienced operators, 
have succumbed through shock and fatal prostra- 
tion. Therefore, should a patient have no confidence 
in a surgeon, or lack a firm conviction of recovery, 



Obstetrician 187 

it would be far better to employ another surgeon, 
or not to submit to an operation at all. 

The Obstetrician 

What has been said of conservative surgery ap- 
plies even with greater force to the doctor who as- 
sumes the duty of caring for a woman in confine- 
ment; for he has to deal with the natural process 
of parturition, through which a new life enters the 
world for the purpose of perpetuating the human 
race. And, as such a purely physiological process 
is established by the very necessity of providing for 
multiplication of the species, it should indeed occur 
very rarely that special artificial aid or real force 
(?) is necessary or that instrumental aid is justified. 

It is very important that interested people should 
be enlightened as far as may be prudent, in order 
to impress at all times the so-called laity with the 
necessity of being mindful that the act of giving 
birth is a process for which nature has provided, 
and that it requires a certain amount of pain to 
accomplish the purpose. If people would grasp this 
whole matter in the right spirit, they would certainly 
consider what reasonably may be expected from the 
attending doctor (accoucheur), and would not worry 
him, nor induce him to interfere with the only safe- 
guard to a happy issue of the case. 

Every obstetrician has abundantly experienced 
the bad influences of members of the family, rela- 
tives, or meddlers, and presence of mind and firm- 
ness have been required in acting according to his 
best judgment for the safety of the two lives. 

Young and inexperienced practitioners are espe- 



1 88 Addenda 

cially inclined to gratify the anxiety of bystanders; 
or, being anxious to display superior skill in being 
able to shorten the natural time of a confinement, 
will sometimes commit unjustified and even rash 
acts. 

In rather less favorably situated families it is 
considered a grateful act of a doctor to accept a 
case of confinement, and this, happily, puts him in 
a position to act entirely according to his best judg- 
ment, that he may conduct a labor to a successful 
issue. 

In this respect, better situated patrons, who have 
the means to engage a so-called trained nurse, min- 
ister very much to the relief of a tempted doctor. 

Such a nurse is usually engaged on the recom- 
mendation of the attending obstetrician, for an ex- 
pected confinement; hence the management of such 
a case is left entirely to his discretion. And, in this 
instance, he must be held responsible to himself for 
any unjustified departure from a rational conserva- 
tism. 

Of the greatest importance in the chamber of con- 
finement (lying-in room) is the approach of the at- 
tendant physician and nurse, not in a spirit of piti- 
ful sympathy for the parturient woman, but with kind 
and appropriate words of encouragement in the hours 
of such an ordeal, as an assurance to her that all will 
be done to properly alleviate her suffering and to 
conduct her case to a satisfactory and successful issue. 
A candid and sympathetic explanation of the very 
nature and requirements of this natural (physiolog- 
ical) process will, at all times, act as the most pow- 
erful mental anodyne. 



Obstetrician 189 

Were such an ideal course always pursued, it 
would reduce rash and thoughtless manipulations 
or instrumental interferences to a minimum and 
prove the best safeguard against injuries to the 
mother which are liable to occur in forced or in- 
strumental delivery. What is most required is pa- 
tience and contentment, until nature has made full 
preparation for the birth to take place; and a com- 
petent accoucheur, who practises the utmost conserv- 
atism, one who is competent, in exceptional cases, 
to interfere at the proper time, and in the proper 
way, to insure the safety of mother and child, is, in 
the fullest sense of the word, a benefactor to women. 

But there is another custom that claims our most 
earnest consideration, and that is the use of chloro- 
form in labor. Many patrons make it a positive 
condition of an engagement to use an anaesthetic, 
and, for fear of losing a job, the doctor will make 
such an agreement. It is not the people's fault that 
such demands are made, for they do not know any 
better; but it is the reckless, meddlesome doctor who 
leaves the impression to a parturient woman and 
attendants that such irrational interference is the 
right course to pursue. 

It is certainly the duty of a physician to relieve 
pain as much as possible and still retain perfect 
safety; but we must bear in mind that labor pains 
are the natural consequence of a physiological proc- 
ess, and are not produced by any diseased condition 
of the organism, and that, by benumbing and reliev- 
ing such pains, we interfere with a natural process, 
the real intention of which is beyond our concep- 



190 Addenda 

tion; and, further, that any irrational interference is 
not called for, because it is quite liable to prevent 
the organs engaged in that process from resuming 
their former position and function in an uninjured 
condition. For this important reason, people should 
never persuade or require an obstetric attendant to 
do anything against his judgment and rational con- 
servatism. 

The Specialist 

To render a satisfactory definition of what con- 
stitutes a specialist seems not only appropriate here, 
but really essential. A specialist signifies one who 
knows something of all branches pertaining to the 
practise of medicine, and all (?) in a certain special 
branch. 

In the proportion that medical aid seems more 
and more indispensable, the specialist in a certain 
branch rises to more prominence, and a good many 
people imagine that only a specialist is capable of 
administering a certain treatment, or of perform- 
ing any certain operation, to perfection, and with 
safety. 

When we consider that in former times a sur- 
geon, for instance, would not only confine his labor 
to treating certain classes of diseases or injuries, but 
would also include eye, ear, throat, nose, or skin affec- 
tions in his practise, it is but fair to admit that a man 
devoting his sole energy and attention to a certain 
special branch in medicine will in time, perhaps, be 
more competent to diagnose and treat ailments and 
conditions or perform operations within that branch 
with superior skill and success. But that is no rea- 



The Medical Quack and Pretender 191 

son why a general practitioner with certain ambi- 
tions would not be able to accomplish the same re- 
sults. The most renowned specialists have been 
recruited from the general rank of the profession, 
and have gained a world-wide fame. 

The usual exhorbitant charges of certain special- 
ists, out of all proportion to their supposed skill, 
have rendered it impossible for less favorably sit- 
uated persons to secure their services, and made it 
necessary for them to be content with the services 
of a general practitioner, probably the family physi- 
cian; and, as a rule, they have rarely had reason to 
regret their disadvantages in not being able to se- 
cure the services of a specialist. 

The Medical Quack and Pretender 

There is everywhere a great variety of these un- 
scrupulous fellows, and, while it can not be denied 
that a very few of them may possess some particular 
knowledge or a reasonable degree of skill in treat- 
ing some diseases, shown now and then by a certain 
amount of success, yet the vast majority of them are 
ignorant of the first principles of medicine or sur- 
gery. They possess some special formulas, bought 
or gotten in some way from some physician or phar- 
macist, often being unacquainted with the character, 
or even the possible virtues, of the contents ; and they 
recommend such mixtures for all possible ailments. 
A variety of methods are practised by these men to 
deceive and fleece the credulous public; it may be 
through a mail-order scheme, direct advertising, 
of the employment of cappers or steerers (as such 



192 Addenda 

fellows are called), who possess the impertinence, 
boldness, and impudence to readily make themselves 
known in a community, and find out persons afflicted 
with diseases to be treated by the "doctor's" special 
means, either medical or surgical. 

While in some instances a certain degree of ap- 
parent success may have followed such treatment, 
often by mere chance, yet in the majority of cases 
disappointment and an empty purse are the result. 
These tricksters are either partners or work for a 
certain percentage of such robbery; for, as a rule, 
credulous persons are shamefully fleeced, regardless 
of their pecuniary circumstances. 

Free samples for a certain cure are sometimes 
distributed, in such quantities as could not benefit the 
sufferers, but are designed to inspire the belief that 
a continuance of such treatment would in time effect 
a cure. These samples are usually accompanied by 
testimonials of very questionable value when the 
analysis of reasoning puts them to the test. Read- 
ing, for instance, "I am better," "I am much im- 
proved," "I am confident of a cure," "It has helped 
me more than anything before," forms a slick trap 
to catch the thoughtless. But as soon as a guarantee 
of cure is demanded, these fellows make every effort 
to dodge the demand. They will tell you that such 
a course is against their invariable rule, that they 
must treat all persons alike, and make many other 
such excuses. 

When a person fails to respond promptly on re- 
ceiving and testing (?) a sample, and to order a 
course of treatment for a certain price, the great 
benevolence (?) of the schemers goes then so far 



The Medicine Vender 193 

as to offer, as a special inducement, the treatment 
for one-half the regular price, to make a start; for 
they know when a person is once in their trap, he 
can not easily escape. 

It is astonishing how people flock in great num- 
bers to the offices of traveling doctors (?), men who 
are not known to them, in the hope of being relieved 
of disease, but finally find that they have been de- 
ceived and fleeced, while of a local doctor often 
impossibilities are expected. And here the common 
expression, "People want to be humbugged," proves 
itself. 

The foregoing facts were elicited by personal 
correspondence with these slick fellows, under a 
spurious name, as it was my intention to expose such 
fraudulent schemes in order to warn, and thereby 
benefit, the public. 

The Medicine Vender 

This personality is also called the "patent medi- 
cine man," for the reason that he protects his mixture 
by registering a fanciful name as a trade-mark. By 
extensive advertising he makes his compounds every- 
where known, sometimes emphasizing his other ad- 
vertisements by almanacs for free distribution, parad- 
ing in the boldest and most absurd manner the great 
virtues of his "medicine" for curing almost any dis- 
ease that human flesh is heir to. And these claims 
are always accompanied by fake or real testimonials 
of the most wonderful (?) cures already effected. 

It may be considered as a consolation to the public 
that most of these compounds contain no poisonous 
ingredients, as they consist of very simple materials, 



13 



194 Addenda 

or some rather innocent drug. The only virtue ih 
such mixtures consists in suggestions, or the imagina- 
tion of the individual who takes them ; and, if by sheer 
good fortune, a person should be relieved by the in- 
herent natural powers of the system, he is very will- 
ing and prompt to attribute the result to the supposed 
healing or curing power of a patent medicine. 
Now, by special tricks, there comes forward testi- 
monials of cures, and the patent medicine vender is 
enabled to reap a fortune through the assistance of 
persons who, unaware and somewhat innocently, 
lend their aid to fleecing the general public. 

If people would be correctly informed, and give 
heed to timely warning, thousands upon thousands 
of dollars would be better expended for really use- 
ful purposes, rather than for the compounds of so- 
called patent cure-alls. 



APPENDIX 



AN ESSAY ON THE PHYSICAL DEGENERATION 
OF THE HUMAN RACE 

INTRODUCTION 

For years past I have made this subject a special study, 
and my conclusions, based on careful observations and im- 
partial comparison, is that the human race, principally 
amongst civilized nations, from generation to generation, 
is gradually retrograding, as far as physical condition and 
development are concerned; also that, owing to such a 
condition, the human constitution and bodily structure are 
becoming more and more sensitive, delicate, and predis- 
posed to disease. Consequently, there is not only a short- 
ening of individual life, but also a prospective menace to 
the well-being of descendants. 

It has been my most earnest ambition to analyze this 
deplorable condition, and to find the real causes; because, 
in spite of extended efforts on the part of boards of health, 
teachers, and promoters of hygiene, and the supposed tri- 
umphs of modern medicine and surgery, this physical de- 
cline, or rather retrogression, has unabatingly advanced. 
I confess that it is really a surprise to me that no other 
investigator, as far as I am aware, has appeared in this 
most important field. 

In submitting the following essay, I may perhaps be 
charged with exaggerating matters, but I am confident that, 
if no radical reform in civilized society be inaugurated, time 
will prove the correctness of my prognostication. 

I. GENERAL OBSERVATION 

From various sources statistical compilations are pre- 
sented to prove (?) that the human race is gradually im- 

195 



196 Appendix 

proving, physically as well as mentally; yet it seems to 
me, as an acute observer, that such tables are decidedly 
misleading. It is much to be regretted that otherwise 
rational, thinking minds in high scientific standing coin- 
cide with such erroneous statements, and are inclined to the 
belief that mankind is gradually rising in the scale of mental 
and physical development, and that, owing to the achieve- 
ments of medical science, the people enjoy a better state of 
health and a greater length of life. But, according to my 
personal observation, just the contrary is the fact, and to 
show this in a convincing manner is the object of this 
essay. It is my purpose to show that a constant, gradual 
physical retrogression of the more civilized portions of the 
human race takes place in successive generations, and that 
they are drifting to a weaker physical condition, while 
the mental development is rather premature, and in an 
unnaturally high degree, to the disadvantage of physical 
development. 

A careful inspection will prove that the bony (osseous) 
structure of the human frame, as well as the muscular 
development and physical strength, is declining in a 
very marked degree. In many instances the full, plump 
figure of a mother, as compared with the daughter, shows 
that robust development is becoming more and more the 
exception. Actual tests and accurate measurements will 
bear out this statement, while the same conditions are shown 
by comparison between father and son. 

As a striking illustration, let us compare the strong 
and sturdy physique of olden people with that of their 
descendants. The former presented, as a rule, the perfec- 
tion of full physical development, possessing an unusual 
power of resistance to hardship, privation, and prolonged 
physical exertion, while such superior qualities are gradu- 
ally giving way in children and grandchildren. 

When we see our forefathers ornamented with long 
and full beards, the chest walls, armpits, and pubes also 



Appendix i()J 

covered with an abundance of hair, the body clothed with 
a rather coarse and tough skin, etc., the correctness of 
my position is made clear by comparison with the younger 
members of the present generation. In the latter full 
beards are a real exception, while beardlessness becomes 
more and more the rule, and the skin presents a more deli- 
cate and smooth appearance. 

The elder females possessed also superior physical de- 
velopment, and powers of endurance in a marked degree. 
This was particularly noticeable in the prominence of their 
busts (mammse), and these natural beauties of full de- 
velopment were preserved to quite an advanced age, while 
in the younger woman of the present generation, who, 
perchance, may possess, in rather exceptional instances, such 
development, they will recede before middle age is reached; 
and a great number of females nowadays are not endowed 
with such admirable gifts of nature at all. 

But, as we further investigate this lamentable condi- 
tion, we note that nowadays a beard rarely appears in rea- 
sonable prominence before the age of twenty-four years, 
and oftener even at that age there is but a short, thin 
growth, while the chest is more devoid of hair, as well as cer- 
tain other parts of the body in both sexes. The bones are be- 
coming more and more slender, and the muscles less de- 
veloped, in spite of calisthenic exercises and physical cul- 
ture. So also, on account of defective strength and lack 
of robustness, people become more and more predisposed 
to a variety of diseases. 

The females of the younger generation, as a rule, 
ether things being equal, menstruate earlier — prematurely — 
before full physical development has taken place; hence 
breasts become less prominent, and many individuals en- 
deavor to hide the flatness of their busts. The whole struc- 
ture of the body is becoming weaker and more delicate, 
strength is vanishing, and, while in former times perhaps 
twenty-five in a thousand had some female complaints,. 



198 Appendix 

there are now probably seventy-five or more in a thousand. 
As to physiognomy, the maiden presents rather the ap- 
pearance of a young woman, and the young woman that 
of a matron. 

With reference to longevity, we must also admit that 
real old age is becoming more and more the exception. 
While ninety to one hundred years was quite common 
amongst older people, old age has declined at the present 
to sixty-five or seventy, and will, in a few generations, 
become much lower, if no reform or natural change takes 
place. When we consult the history of ancient times, we 
read of extreme high ages, from three hundred to eight 
hundred years; so we must reasonably infer that such 
retrogression has gradually taken place from a rather early 
time up to the present. From these facts, and many others, 
it must be clear that, if conditions continue in the future 
as in the past, the human race, as it exists to-day, must 
finally perish ; it must inevitably succumb to such unfav- 
orable influences. 

II. PROMINENT CAUSES 

It can not suffice to portray such a sad picture of 
retrogression, nor can I be content with the mere citation 
of modern customs; for it is my earnest purpose and 
solemn duty to search as thoroughly as possible for the 
causes of such a condition as has been described, and to 
present facts for most careful consideration. In the light 
in which I view the matter, there are three principal fac- 
tors which must receive investigation and exposition: — 
Premature Mental Development. — It is really aston- 
ishing to observe the early maturity of mental faculties 
in children. In olden times such mental precocity as is 
seen in youths of ten years at the present day would have 
been considered as rather exceptional at the age of fif- 
teen. We find very young children who can read, write, 
and cipher in a remarkable manner, often before attend- 
ing school. 



Appendix 199 

To give children an accomplished education seems to 
be the highest ambition of parents in these days, because 
it is believed that modern civilization demands an early 
school education of a high degree. Such ambition might 
be deemed a wise one were it not for the injurious detri- 
ment to full physical development; for it is reasonable 
to suppose that the premature crowding of the functional 
activity of the brain must inevitably interrupt and pre- 
vent such development before maturity is reached; in 
other words, the mental faculties are developed far ahead 
of the physical. This fact has also reflex action with 
reference to premature sexual excitement, favored by the 
power of grasping the spirit of certain literature, and 
fostering the desire for its perusal. 

There could be no objection to a proper acquaintance 
with matters pertaining to sexual physiology, as a nat- 
ural consequence, when both sexes approach full matur- 
ity. Then there is no need that they be kept in profound 
ignorance of sexual functions and their true purpose. But 
we must select for such purpose the proper reserved time, 
so that sexual activity may be delayed as long as possible, 
in order that physical development will not be interfered 
with. 

Even a casual observer must admit that the perusal 
of questionable literature accompanied by early educa- 
tional attainments, naturally stimulates and unduly ex- 
cites the brain and nervous system to premature activity; 
while under such conditions physical growth can not be 
fully completed. 

From the above deductions it must be admitted that 
individuals of either sex whose physical development is 
not as it should be, yet whose sexual organs are aroused 
for early activity, will arrive at the age of puberty in a 
rather debilitated condition. Such condition can not fail 
to result from their many indiscretions, perhaps first to 



200 Appendix 

gratify curiosity, but later for certain sexual gratification. 
Then what could be expected from the offspring of such 
individuals as parents? For we can not expect strong 
and robust children from such weak and exhausted in- 
dividuals. And if, as has been said, such influences con- 
tinue in full sway from generation to generation, it nat- 
urally must accelerate the final annihilation of the human 
race. This statement may seem exaggerated, yet time 
will prove the correctness of my deduction. 

The foregoing remarks apply with special significance 
to girls and maidens, whose delicate and complicated sex- 
ual apparatus requires special provision of the nervous sys- 
tem for the physical development, so that these organs, 
as well as the entire body, may be nearly fully developed 
before the first functional phenomena (menstruation) ap- 
pears; that is, on entering real maidenhood. But we ob- 
serve nowadays, contrary to the laws of nature, the appear- 
ance of that special function in girlhood (certain climatic 
influences of course excepted) long before their generative 
organs have had sufficient time for full normal develop- 
ment. It can readily be seen that an early appearance 
of such function favors an early sexual excitement, the 
disastrous influences of which are sure to show themselves 
in an early matronhood. 

The remarkable increase of such occurrences can be 
traced especially to girls in schools of higher instruction, 
and, as a consequence, menstruation appears much earlier 
in the cities than rural districts. For these very obvious 
reasons we find the most irregularities in that function, 
as well as painful menstruation, and very often an early 
cessation occurs as proof that the organs were not fully 
developed to sustain such function to the proper period 
of life. 

For reasons already presented, it must be apparent 
that forced exertion for high educational accomplishments, 



Appendix 201 

regardless of a lack of special talents, must prevent full 
physical growth, for the simple reason that, while for nat- 
urally gifted children learning is rather an easy process, 
and therefore not so destructive to bodily robustness as 
in those possessing more limited talent, the latter class 
would be seriously injured if goaded on to strenuous 
efforts to acquire like attainments in the same time. 
Hence all forced education in early youth must exert, 
in many respects, the most damaging results to physical 
well-being. 

In some respects, but in far less degree, many of these 
remarks apply also with reference to boys, and any forced 
education, regardless of talent, will always exert very un- 
desirable and injurious influences. 

Modern Diet and Cooking. — The skillful cook, so much 
admired nowadays, is considered one of the most desirable 
persons in the household, as well as at public places of 
eating. And, while the products of so-called scientific 
cooking may be very acceptable because it tastes good (that 
is, it produces a delightful sensation in the tongue and pal- 
ate), and presents a pleasing appearance on the table, yet 
such a diet will nevertheless prove very detrimental to the 
stomach and to the whole system, as will be shown presently. 

The great varieties of food, of very diverse constituents, 
forced, as a requirement of modern eating, into the stom- 
ach that neither demands nor is able to digest such mix- 
tures, must in time exert a very detrimental influence upon 
the whole digestive tract, which eventually becomes un- 
able to overcome such imprudence. Such is the result of 
the irrational habits of people whose principal requirement 
of a cook is to gratify their tastes, and to comply with 
the demands of society in preparing so and so many courses 
at a certain meal. 

The stomach — a most willing but very often the most 
abused organ in the body — that is expected to take care 



202 Appendix 

of all such varieties of rich food, no doubt makes the best 
efforts possible to overcome the difficulty; but it must 
finally surrender to a diseased condition. And as there is 
no country, excepting, perhaps, France, where such un- 
healthful cooking and indulgence in so many indigestible 
dishes seem to prevail as in the United States, we are 
called the land of dyspeptics, a distinction of which we 
have certainly no reason to be proud, because dyspepsia 
is merely a punishment for the many indiscretions at the 
table. 

It is a positive fact that, when proper digestion does 
not take place, sufficient assimilation and nutrition can not 
be realized. While some enthusiastic, thoughtless cranks 
will compare a so-called model kitchen to a chemical or 
pharmaceutical laboratory, such comparison is a most ab- 
surd illusion. 

Were the articles of our diet selected, as has been ex- 
plained in Part First of this work and these articles pre- 
pared in as simple a manner as possible, making due al- 
lowance for a good taste by reasonable seasoning, dyspep- 
sia, with its allied conditions, would soon be a thing of the 
past, and the victory would be achieved without the as- 
sistance of a physician; for the real causes would be re- 
moved, a thing impossible for any medium to accomplish. 

But I must call attention to another important point, 
and that is, the prevailing and increasing defectiveness and 
diseased conditions of the teeth. This is an affliction 
of which our forefathers knew but little, and a dentist a 
hundred years ago was rather a curiosity. 

The natural function of the teeth is simply to bite off 
a part of the food which is to be brought under their 
chewing action, in order that it may be reduced to such 
particles as the stomach will be able to digest. Such des- 
tined activity of the teeth can only be utilized when there 
is something to chew; in other words, when there is food 
that needs to be so reduced. But, at the present time, 



Appendix 203 

many foodstuffs are so prepared that scarcely any chew- 
ing seems necessary; hence the teeth are deprived of such 
exercise. It is clear that if the teeth have no work to 
do, they are not cleaned by the roughness of the food, and 
the bland constituents of food must deposit on their sur- 
face certain materials which have a tendency to cause de- 
cay, attacking the natural enamel and destroying its in- 
tegrity. If the teeth are badly diseased, the dentist will 
repair the defect in the best possible manner, either by 
filling cavities or by substituting artificial teeth. But either 
remedy is a poor substitute for natural teeth. 

All this could be avoided if people would return to the 
old-fashioned rational mode of diet, so that in securing 
thorough digestion a proper assimilation would take place. 
By such means the whole organism would be benefited in 
the enjoyment of health, vigor, and physical strength, so 
indispensable to the personal and general welfare. 

Interference with Nature's Laws. — Nature has indicated 
very distinctly certain real necessities, which are to some ex- 
tent made known even to the lower animals through a nat- 
ural instinct; but, inasmuch as man is endowed with su- 
perior mental faculties, including a free will, it is clear 
that special emotions of the brain may exert a powerful 
temptation to deviate from the laws of nature in many 
ways, and so to frustrate its real purposes. 

It is also a fact that as civilization rises, the sensibility 
to rather common impression increases, and, as a conse- 
quence, artificial aid is sought to neutralize, so to speak, 
any wrongs against nature's laws. Therefore, owing to 
such tendency, there has been developed, from the remotest 
time to the present day, the practise of medicine in various 
forms, and, somewhat later, on that of surgery and ob- 
stetrics, as well as traditional home treatments for minor 
ailments. Also there has been cultivated the belief in super- 
natural healing powers, or superstition of unknown ele- 
ments in curing disease and ameliorating physical suffer- 



204 Appendix 

ing. While the latter was nothing else than the whole- 
some efforts of nature to help itself, or, as we now know, 
a suggestive force called upon to assist nature; therefore 
these two may be considered as involuntary powers, rather 
inseparable in their action, but may also, under certain 
circumstances, act as voluntary powers, or both combined, 
which we will see presently. 

Many people habitually interfere with nature to a verv 
deplorable degree, being quick to use, for slight constipa- 
tion, strong purgatives instead of mild laxatives; for 
diarrhoea, astringents or constipating mixtures, instead of 
mild evacuants, merely to assist nature to rid itself of ir- 
ritable masses in the bowels; for cough, a vast variety of 
cough medicines, instead of assisting nature by mild emoli- 
ents to lessen the irritation of the mucous membranes and 
to favor the discharge of the accumulation of offending 
mucus (secretion) ; for headache, a selection of headache 
compounds, while attention to the free emptying of the 
bowels would better remove the cause, or a cold applica- 
tion to the head, quietude of the mind, and fresh air would 
be more effectual and far more rational; for a supposed 
malaria, at once dosing with quinine, etc., instead of find- 
ing the true cause of trouble, which is very often not 
malaria at all, but a certain lassitude, or depression of 
spirit ; and so ad infinitum, but to continue would be simply 
a repetition of points previously discussed. 

The quack or patent-medicine vender is quick to take 
advantage of such common inclination, and displays in 
newspapers glowing promises to relieve all possible and 
impossible ailments. By such means these unscrupulous 
fellows reap fortunes from credulous, superstitious, and 
oversensitive people, at the same time encouraging the 
pernicious habit of swallowing mixtures, the constituents 
of which are kept secret, lest the shameless deception be 
exposed. 

It is quite evident that, if we interfere thoughtlessly 



Appendix 205 

with nature in accidental disturbances, not being fully 
aware of, or competent to appreciate, the intention of 
nature and her mode of correction, we certainly must 
commit some degree of mischief, if not permanent in- 
jury, to the whole organism. A conservative physi- 
cian will judge things rightly, and, in order to escape 
such a situation in a safe way, he will prescribe a placebo 
(an innocent mixture) merely to satisfy an alarmed pa- 
tient. 

Some people, prompted by the common aphorism, 
"Prevention is better than cure," make it a custom, as a 
supposed means of insuring good health, to take some kind 
of medicine every day. But such a course is a decidedly 
wrong application of the aphorism ; and it is really astonish- 
ing to what extent a maltreated stomach will endure such 
abuse. But alas! it must finally surrender to such destruc- 
tive and overpowering influences; digestive disorders set 
in, and the whole organism suffers from such thoughtless 
indiscretions. 

So it must be apparent that the indiscriminate use of 
medicines, under any circumstances, should be discour- 
aged in the strongest terms. It also remains an open 
question, to what extent medicinal substances in real sick- 
ness are indicated or beneficial. And I wish right here 
especially to emphasize that the less one indulges in medi- 
cines the better for personal safety. No one knows better 
than a physician how often the most intricate diseases 
have yielded to the salutary efforts of nature, or how 
often so-called "heroic" treatment, or, as the aphorism 
runs, "doctoring for life or death," has sacrificed the life 
of a patient when it should have been saved. 

But what especially concerns us in this connection is, 
that the making of our organism a pharmaceutical labor- 
atory, so to speak, never will preserve good health, create 
a robust physical organism, or insure a ripe old age; but, 



206 Appendix 

through indiscretions contrary to nature's laws, just the 
contrary results must be expected. 

Conclusion 

In the foregoing I have dwelt on the principal causes 
of a slowly, but certainly advancing, tendency toward retro- 
gressive physical development from generation to genera- 
tion; and have brought the matter to the attention of the 
reader in order to be instrumental in pointing out the proper 
course to pursue in the economic relations of civilized so- 
ciety. 

But, before closing, there remains another matter to 
be mentioned in this connection, namely, the great changes 
of industry from the primitive modest workshop to the 
present gigantic manufacturing plant, which has brought 
a great revolution in the condition of the mechanic or 
laborer, as far as his physical health is concerned. Young 
children are also pressed into the employ of plant owners to 
furnish cheap labor, regardless of the general consequences 
to the welfare of their fellow-men. So also married women, 
instead of attending to home affairs, are forced to seek 
work at such places, to compensate for the deplorable cir- 
cumstances of being obliged to assist in providing for the 
maintenance of the family. And when we observe into 
what unhealthy and annoying places of employment such 
unfortunates are forced, often with inadequate food, it 
must become a real horror to well-wishing people to what 
extent not only such individuals, but also their future off- 
spring, must degenerate; for it is impossible for children 
who pass their youth in unhealthy quarters, with physical 
overexertion, privation, and poverty, to properly develop 
either physically or mentally. And it is evident that their 
descendants must, as a natural consequence, be seriously 
affected by the bad influences of such imperfections of 
body and mind. 

Such unnatural economic conditions must, in the very 
nature of things, produce a more and more enfeebled gen- 



Appendix 207 

eration, with no prospect of enjoying a robust physical 
condition, with perfect health and the expectation of reach- 
ing good old age. Should present conditions be not thor- 
oughly reformed — a consummation that will come in time 
as public enlightenment prevails — there can be no relief 
from final destruction of the race; in other words, social 
reform will be the only salvation. 



AN ESSAY ON THE INCREASING OCCURRENCE 
OF CHILDLESSNESS 

INTRODUCTION 

There is perhaps granted to no other person such an 
extended opportunity to penetrate deeply and fully into the 
very intimate relations of family life as to the busy prac- 
titioner of medicine. Hence it is evident that it can be 
reasonably expected of him to present a truthful and sat- 
isfactory presentation of the subject, and, at the same time, 
to raise a warning voice in honest and candid exposure 
of existing evils, and in favor of a speedy return to the 
principles and demands of nature's laws relative to the 
true purpose of sexual relations. 

My special study on these matters has prompted me 
to present to a kind and attentive reader the results of care- 
ful investigation, in the hope that it may serve to inspire 
people to earnestly seek a favorable reform for the benefit 
of the whole human race. 

Let us now give paramount consideration to three special 
points, namely: The influence of modern culture; the in- 
creasing ambition for celibacy; and the improprieties in 
married life. 

I. THE INFLUENCE OF MODERN CULTURE 

It must be admitted that women are becoming more and 
more weakened physically, especially with reference to their 
sexual anatomy, and that such a condition does not permit of 



208 Appendix 

their being: able to conceive as frequently as in former times, 
when woman, as a rule, enjoyed a strong and robust de- 
velopment, and it was therefore not such a strain on the 
organism to become a mother. And the causes are to be 
found in the changes wrought by modern civilization, the 
rather artificial mode of living as to diet and clothing, 
and the want of proper provisions for the care of the 
body as to nature's requirements — all of which causes have 
been discussed in various parts of this work. 

We must also, if we are candid, trace bodily short- 
comings to early mental development, because of the severe 
strain that is unavoidable in prosecuting studies of higher 
education before full physical development has been at- 
tained. This is a positive fact which, it is very much to 
be regretted, is often not acknowledged ; but time will force 
such important matters to general attention. 

It may be argued that women of the highest literary 
ability have enjoyed a comparatively robust physical de- 
velopment, yet we must not lose sight of the fact that these 
women were, as a rule, endowed with unusual natural 
gifts and superior talents; hence their literary success has 
not demanded such a strain on their nervous system as 
otherwise would have been the case. And, moreover, but 
very few of such women have reared large families ; nay, 
in most cases, they either have had no children in wed- 
lock, or have lived In celibacy. 

I feel it also my duty as a member of the profession — 
although I do so rather diffidently — to discuss another 
cause of sterility, namely, the reckless and thoughtless 
interference on the part of some so-styled woman special- 
ists. It is a fact, which I have had frequent opportunity 
to verify, that women who, owing to their otherwise per- 
fect state of health, would have conceived quite frequently, 
have had their wombs curetted or the vagina mistreated 
with strong applications and unnecessarily hot injections; 



Appendix 209 

which have changed the normal condition to such a de- 
gree that the prospects of conception were totally de- 
stroyed. 

It is, however, a blessing to womanhood that a more 
and more conservative spirit seems to prevail, so that 
women are not boldly mutilated on the operating table, 
as has been done so often in the past, not only by unskilled 
operators, but also, now and then, by more prominent 
specialists. We may earnestly hope that such inexcusable 
ambition will give way to a rational conservatism; so 
that the desire on the part of a woman to become a mother 
may not be frustrated by careless and unscientific interfer- 
ence with her organs of generation. 

I have had personal opportunity to prove that, many 
times, when a proposed surgical interference was not per- 
mitted, a mild medicinal treatment has brought such a 
case to a very satisfactory issue. 

It is a fact proven by daily observation that young 
men, as well as maidens, become more and more averse 
to entering into the matrimonial bond. And if we dili- 
gently inquire into the matter, the real causes of such a 
lamentable state of affairs will not be difficult to find. Of 
paramount consideration is the improper rearing of chil- 
dren. Under present conditions, rather younger, as well 
as older, children come unobserved into frequent contact 
with each other, which allows not only an undesirable 
intimacy, but also a premature acquaintance with the 
functions of the generative organs, arousing a vulgar cu- 
riosity to investigate certain special features or to ex- 
perience the pleasures of such activity. Such an early 
desire is the most fruitful incentive to the practise of 
masturbation, an evil which is becoming more and more 
universal, and it is evident that such bad habits greatly 
interfere with physical and mental development and are 
accompanied by the most damaging consequences. 



H 



210 Appendix 

It is of no use to deny the fact that, nowadays, chil- 
dren at the age of ten or twelve years know more about 
sexual relations than was known in former times among 
young men and maidens; and the cause of such precocity 
can safely be traced, if we would be candid, to the con- 
stantly increasing early mental development of children, 
encouraged by the growing ambition to give to children 
the more extended education demanded by modern civ- 
ilization. In this connection we ought to make compari- 
son with the habits of the more primitive tribes of the 
human family. 

II. THE INCREASING AMBITION FOR CELIBACY 

It often occurs nowadays that when a young man has 
finally attained the period of full puberty at which to prop- 
erly enter the sphere of married life, he is rather embarrassed 
by the problem of financial ability to provide for the ever- 
increasing demands of the modern home and the sup- 
posed essentials for complying with the desired station 
in society. As a result, he is very apt to dodge such 
social and economic requirements, and in case of un- 
willingness to deny himself the gratification of sexual ac- 
tivity, to resort either to masturbation, to the dishonoring 
of maidens, or to the haunt of the prostitute. 

With reference to maidens, we face quite a different 
situation, on account of the increasing ambition of their 
sex to acquire an accomplished education, encouraged, as 
a rule, by an endeavor to enjoy a more independent and 
less arduous life, with better remuneration than is possible 
by manual labor. But it is self-evident that, on account 
of the time necessary to prosecute the necessary prepara- 
tory studies, a maiden's mental force is so profoundly 
engaged that physical development is forced to subor- 
dination, and any real leisure time is devoted to perfect 
rest. Hence the aversion to alternating mental exertion 



Appendix 211 

with useful physical work necessary to a healthful state 
of female life increases steadily; and, as a consequence, 
maidens become further and further removed from their 
beautiful station and proper destination in life, and any 
ambition to reach such station is liable to utterly perish. 
It is therefore not at all surprising that many young 
men in rather moderate circumstances will shrink from 
entering the marriage relation with a maiden whose pre- 
vious ambition has been just the contrary to becoming a 
loving wife, a competent manager of a household, and 
a devoted mother. Hence celibacy is often preferred, 
through fear of being doomed to attend to such domestic 
affairs as naturally should fall to the wife. Such conditions 
favor bachelordom, as well as old maidenhood — classes 
certainly not greatly to be desired, and generally con- 
sidered as unproductive attachments to society. 

III. THE INDISCRETIONS OF MODERN MATRIMONY 

The most sacred and intimate bond between two persons 
of opposite sexes constitutes and secures not only a well- 
regulated and contented family life, but also tends to per- 
fect the destined order of things — the replacing of the in- 
dividual self and providing for the increase of population. 
Such an ideal station in life is an unwritten, as well as a 
written, law ever since the existence of the human family ; 
but the ambition of so-called civilization has often favored a 
certain encroachment upon nature's laws materially hindering 
its beneficial and necessary intention. Hence it is the solemn 
duty of every well-wishing member of society to present such 
contrasts to a model matrimonial bond in a kind but honest 
and truthful manner, without fear of being censured. 

Amongst the rich people, however, those well-favored 
financially and fully able to provide for all desirable acquisi- 
tions, and for all demands of modern social life, the young 
people, as a rule, marry ; yet the motives of such a bond are 
now and then rather questionable, for the reason that sexual 



212 Appendix 

gratification to its fullest extent is deemed the prime object. 
But the sensibility of wives is so increasing that they are be- 
coming more and more inclined to make such provisions as will 
enable them to escape the many inconveniences, illnesses, and 
other burdens that accompany pregnancy, as well as the work 
necessary to rear a large family of children. Hence the re- 
sult is a very limited number of children, or none at all. Such 
perverted ambition is, it must be confessed, encouraged on 
the part of unscrupulous physicians, but mostly by quacks and 
secret abortionists, either to prevent conception or to destroy 
its products, for the gratification of the wishes of patrons, 
or for the sake of gaining a lucrative compensation. 

Luckily two things may happen to frustrate such dam- 
nable purposes ; for, on the one hand, an unusual strong na- 
ture may resist the means of preventing conception and de- 
mand its proper right ; or, as in many very pleasing instances, 
preference may be given to a full natural gratification of 
sexual relation, the contracting parties being content with 
all the inevitable results. 

From certain sources there are circulated advertising 
pamphlets having titles, "Fewer and Better Children," designed 
to arouse the attention of married people, and induce them 
to avoid a numerous offspring, in order to secure fewer but 
better (?) children. For such purposes clever propositions 
are advanced to use certain proprietary preparations. In one 
of such publications (Foote) it is said that even the people 
of wild tribes in matrimonial bond, after having bred one or 
two children, to avoid the crying and other annoyances of 
children in their camps, perform a certain rude operation on 
the male urethra, to prevent the impregnating fluid from enter- 
ing the proper channel ; whether this is true or not, I could 
not vouch; but the obvious purpose of the story is to justify 
the regulation by artificial means of the number of children 
desired. But the further and paramount intention is to realize 
large profits out of such cheap proprietaries, the ingredients 
of which are not revealed. 



Appendix 213 

With reference to so-called middle classes, people in some- 
what opulent circumstances, there is present a quite different 
proposition. Owing to the increased requirements for pro- 
viding for a large household, according to the supposed sta- 
tion in life and society, people are often encouraged to inter- 
fere with the natural results of matrimony; yet it must be 
remembered that, as a rule, a certain sexual gratification is 
still demanded. But here comes into notice the advantage of 
possessing scientific knowledge, and the advice of friendly ( ?) 
neighbors is also utilized to secure certain means of preventing 
tht fruits of sexual union. Yet, to the great honor of many 
parents, it must be emphasized that the vast majority are 
free from any such impure motives in their marital relations, 
and are fully willing to make any possible sacrifice to per- 
form their moral duty in accepting and providing for a nu- 
merous family of children, as a natural duty of parenthood 
and a sacred obligation to society. Nevertheless, there -is 
reason to fear that our artificial civilization and its often 
damaging influences may become really contagious ; for sta- 
tistics of births, especially in larger cities, show conclusively 
a gradual decrease in the number of children, while in rural 
districts, which are not as yet so much influenced by city 
evils, make commendable exceptions ; however, if the present 
tendency increases, in time the country people also may come 
to indulge such wrong practises. \ 

Amongst the poor, so-called "proletarians," we may boldly 
assert that the greatest number of children are founii ; and 
this is easy of explanation, for the reason that such/ classes 
possess a very modest and limited degree of education, and 
it is partly on this account that they allow the laws of nature 
full sway. They rest in the consolation that, in case of the 
utmost pressure of want, a merciful providence will provide 
for their children. As a rule trnV exception is met on the 
part of wealthy people and public institutions of charity, with 
very commendable generosity. Such liberality is, perhaps, 
prompted somewhat by the consideration that such children, 



214 Appendix 

when grown, will constitute an indispensable acquisition to 
the population, because of their willingness to perform such 
manual labor as can not at present be done by machinery. 
It is a fact that, in the degree that these people become edu- 
cated, they become averse to the performance of menial work. 
But the poorer classes of people have drawbacks of their own, 
the most obvious being their inability to own homes, and hence 
must live in rented houses. Now, it is well known that land- 
lords, as a rule, do not wish tenants with large families of 
small children; so such families are often forced to accept 
rather undesirable quarters, such as would flatly be refused by 
others. And such a sad state of affairs, it may be justly 
feared, will in time, as a measure of necessity, arouse these 
people also to efforts to prevent a numerous family of chil- 
dren, and to practise, to some extent at least, sexual con- 
tinence, following the methods of other classes, though at 
first merely because of forced circumstances. 

It must not be supposed that I have aimed to magnify 
existing ambitions and evils; and while such methods may be 
practised by only a small minority of the population, yet it 
is to be hoped that this minority will grow less rather than 
to increase, which would finally have the effect, so pointedly 
expressed by President Roosevelt, of the nation's committing 
"race suicide." 



ESSAY ON PRINCIPLES OF SEXUAL PHYSIOLOGY 

I. GENERAL REMARKS 

It may perhaps be assumed that at all times nature takes 
its own course ; and if men were content with such a fact, 
no efforts at all would be made to read nature correctly. 
But it is the ambition of man to penetrate its secret chambers, 
and to unveil its seemingly mysterious evolutions, in order to 
explain its powers and peculiarities. 

The purpose of the present essay is to consider the propa- 
gation of the human species, as well as nature's laws con- 



Appendix 215 

cerning the begetting of descendants and the special sex of 
the offspring. 

That human beings are in many respects different from 
the lower animals is especially proven in the sexual regions 
of mankind. A matrimonial bond confines two persons of 
opposite sex to a rather isolated station in life ; and, owing 
to such provisions, sexual desires of one or the other, or both, 
as the case may be, may be gratified outside a physiological 
period, especially provided for rendering conception the most 
probable and certain. But at such special period there must 
be a certain harmonious action of seminal elements, either 
a voluntary or involuntary impulse of both parties, to insure 
such fruits of the union as nature requires. 

But we must not lose sight of the fact that there must 
be a negative and a positive force to develop the full co- 
operative activity; but, unlike electricity, which is dependent 
upon a strictly physical law, animal life, although dependent on 
the same law to some extent, is affected by many other special 
influences, the free and independent will power of the human 
subject often predominating. 

II. PECULIARITIES OF SEXES 

The begetting of preferred special sex in offspring is not 
caused by any accidental occurrence ; there are predominating 
factors subservient to the laws of nature that decide a certain 
result in sexual union. But the necessity of producing logi- 
cal evidence of the correctness of certain principles pertaining 
to such a delicate subject has perhaps prevented a rational 
and convincing exposition ; and, more than that, it requires 
years of careful study, observation, and personal experience 
to unfold the mysteries of conception. 

While individual conviction in such a matter may have a 
certain positive value, yet it can not be considered conclusive, 
as it needs confirmation of other experienced parties to set 
aside any doubt of possible errors. But to secure such a 
candid confirmation has been found a very difficult task, 



216 Appendix 

for the reason that, as a rule, females especially are not dis- 
posed to express their sexual emotions to a second, and much 
less to a third, person ; therefore it requires a great deal of 
tact and discretion on the part of the inquirer to overcome 
the doubt of an intention to gratify mere vulgar curiosity, 
and to elicit such information as will prove or disprove per- 
sonal theories and experiences. My efforts for years past 
have at last succeeded in corroborating the truth of my the- 
ories concerning the laws of nature. 

III. SPECIAL POINTS OF INTEREST 

As will be seen, there exists in both sexes a certain elec- 
trifying orgasm (sexual exaltation), which, by a coincident 
deliberation, assures impregnation, as well as special sex 
in offspring. But it is another intrinsic peculiarity that 
the highest development and primarily deliberated exaltation 
(orgasm) will beget the opposite sex; or, in other words, 
such high activity in the male will result in a female child; 
and such on the part of the female, in a male child. As a 
proof of such a fact, we can usually observe a striking re- 
semblance of facial features between mother and son and 
father and daughter. 

Now, we should not lose sight of the fact that the female 
must be considered as the rather negative, or conceiving fac- 
tor in the act ; hence it is clear that there must be a provision 
of nature by which a certain height of sexual excitement 
takes place in the female, not only to render fsecundation of 
the ovums more probable, but also to influence such orgasmic 
activity to determine upon the special sex in the offspring. 

If it were not for such a provision, the result would be 
rather disastrous to the human race in begetting but one 
special sex, which would be all girls, and which would in time 
result in the extinguishing of the race. 

But as a rule, a recurring monthly period of special sexual 
congestion and activity is destined not only to relieve such a 
congested state of the female sexual organs (especially the 



Appendix 217 

ovaries), but also to secure the possibility of conception, as 
well as the begetting of special sexes in the offspring in al- 
most the same proportion. And so it occurs that when at a 
union the highest activity in the female is aroused and pri- 
marily concluded, the result is, with all possible certainty, a 
male child ; in other words, the opposite sex. And, vice 
versa, if the primary conclusion and highest activity be in 
the male, a female child will be the result. 

It should be stated that in the natural course, as a rule, 
the first union after menstruation, everything else being equal, 
will result in a female child. But should there be no con- 
ception at that time, the succeeding fruitful intercourse will 
be a male child, which we will presently see. But under 
certain circumstances, which it is not prudent nor practicable 
here to describe in minute detail, the contrary may also occur. 

Now it is possible, by self-control and presence of mind 
on the part of the male, and by a certain prolongation of 
the act, to arouse the passiveness of the female to such a 
high degree of orgasmic activity that it will be concluded pri- 
marily, and, the positive factor of the male following in- 
stantly, a male child may be assured. 

IV. CO-INCIDENT FACTORS 

When we speak of superiorities as well as inferiorities in 
children, we rarely inquire into the probable causes of such 
conditions. Yet there is no doubt that certain powerful fac- 
tors were called into special activity on the part of parents 
to transmit such impressions of elevated emotion or low ani- 
mal lust to offspring from such a union, so that either tal- 
ented or less gifted, sympathetic or brutal, highly intelligent 
of idiotic, pretty or ugly, perfect or imperfect children will 
be begotten under certain circumstances. 

Yet man, in the possession of thinking, reasoning self- 
control and free will, should consider it a duty to himself 
and to his descendants, as well as to society, to strive by a 
strong will and kind affection to secure the best possible re- 
sults in the fruits of their union. 



21 8 Appendix 

But it is a fact that a brutal man or a drunkard, if the 
copulating female possesses the momentous requirements of 
impregnation, and yields to his passion, with even a sense 
of disgust and aversion, and probably under a feeling of 
anxiety for the security of her life, will beget an inferior 
child. It could not be expected otherwise than that such 
emotions and mental excitement would be transmitted to the 
child, which, by the way, will usually be a female, and that 
it would inherit a low, or even brutal disposition; while if, as 
rather an exception, it should be a male child, it will inherit 
a cowardly and fretful disposition. 

On the other hand, the respect and admiration of the female 
for the superior virtues, talents, and attainments of the male 
will, as a rule, result in the transmission of all such excellent 
gifts to the male child, and, vice versa, from the male to 
the female child. And if, in the splendor of admiration 
towards each other, conception takes place, such superior 
emotions and gifts will be inherited by the offspring, regard- 
less of special sex. 

Now it is possible to make such rational preparation be- 
fore contemplated union at a time when conception is the 
most probable, as has been explained, which may be up to 
four days after cessation of menstruation, as will enchance 
the probability of transmitting superior mental attainments, as 
well as bodily perfection and facial beauty, in offspring. Such 
intelligent conversation as will inspire exalted thoughts, for 
instance the admiration of beauty, mutual enjoyment of read- 
ing and discussing classical or other scientific works, or the 
contemplation of paintings, sculptures, and other works of 
high art, will prove very influential in the production of health- 
ful and intellectual offspring. If in such an elevated and 
happy emotion a fruitful union takes place, all such impression 
will be inherited by the child from its very conception. So 
it occurs that rather less gifted parents, or such as possess 
even rather uncomely physiognomies, can and do beget chil- 



Appendix 219 

dren endowed with the most desirable qualities of mind and 
soul, as well as harmonious bodily development and facial 
beauty. 

It is quite certain that such happy coincidences have given 
the world our gifted poets, philosophers, statesmen, artists, 
sculptors, scientists, and military geniuses, as well as un- 
usually pure and kind-hearted philanthropic men and women. 

V. STERILITY 

This subject has ever aroused the greatest interest, and 
is supposed by many to be a mystery, unapproachable by a 
rational solution, and it has also been a field prolific of theoreti- 
cal speculations and illusory conclusions. 

In entering upon the discussion of such a subject, I do 
so for the reason that it seems to be a fitting finale to the 
discussion of sexual physiology. My exposition is based on 
many years of practical observation and study, and, while I 
do not claim that my conclusions are infallible, yet they are 
presented without fear of severe criticism or successful con- 
tradiction. 

It must be pre-supposed that the organs of generation in 
both sexes are in perfect normal condition, which would ad- 
mit of the possibility of impregnation, and yet the woman re- 
mains sterile. Such occurrences must be traced first to the 
absence of or imperfect functional activity, for most in the 
female, owing to the want of a certain harmony between 
participants and lack coincident deliberation of seminal ele- 
ments, as we have explained before. 

While it is true that in most instances the female may 
be found to be the most defective, yet the male can not .be 
excepted ; for it has often occurred that a childless matrimonial 
bond has become fruitful in a second marriage by either hus- 
hand or wife, proving to a certainty that in the first marriage 
the necessary harmony of organs had been wanting, and so 
made conception impossible. 

Such physiological defects are the most frequent causes 



220 Appendix 

cf sterility. And if this essay on sexual physiology be care- 
fully and thoroughly studied, and these principal causes re- 
moved, most cases of sterility will be eliminated. 

It is, for obvious reasons, not prudent at this time to 
present more minrtely explicit or probably plainer and more 
satisfactory explanation of instruction for special cases ; be- 
cause each case has peculiarities of its own, which have to be 
carefully inquired into by a competent person before a rational 
course can be instituted. The kind reader must therefore be 
content with the points presented, and consider all require- 
ments in his particular case in harmony with the evidence 
presented in this essay. 

Should, however, the exposition of this subject be not fully 
comprehended by one or other reader, a physician who enter- 
tains the same principles and opinions as the author may be 
consulted, and all particulars can safely be transmitted to him, 
in perfect confidence of receiving proper advice. 

The correction of actually diseased conditions or faulty 
secretions must be treated by a competent gynaecologist if 
possible. 



Note. — If it should be preferred to consult the author for an investiga- 
tion of a special case, very plain explanations on this subject, as well as 
minute instructions, may be obtained by personal office appointment; or, if 
such is not available, through confidential correspondence. 






INDEX 



Absynth 

Addenda 

Alcoholic stimulants 

Allopathy 

Antitoxin fraud 

Appendicitis 

Assistance to nature 

Asthma 

Auxiliaries of hygiene 

Bacilli 

Bacteria 

Baldness 

Bathing 

Beer 

Boards of health 

Bread 

Breakfast mush 

Burns and scalds 

Caffein 

Canabis indica 

Care of sick 

Care of sick and convales- 
cents 

Catarrh 

Causes of disease 

Child labor 

Chloral 

Chloroform 

Cholera infantum 

Cholera morbus 

Childlessness, increasing oc- 
currence of 

Cider 

Clothing 

Climate 



179 

87 

111 

155 

139 

111 

143 

58 

94 

94 

49 

59 

88 

66 

40 

40 

144 



172 

101 

142 

71 

52 

88 

88 

132 

135 

207 
88 
46 
55 



Cocaine 88 

Coffee 44 

Colic 134 

Common forms of disease. . .125 

Constipation A2S 

Consumption 159 

Convalescents, rules for ....176 

Corns 48 

Cough 133 

Croup 157 

Diarrhoea 130 

Diarrhoea of infants 19 

Diet and digestion 34 

Diphtheria 154 

Disinfectants 69 

Diversion from rules of 

hygiene 73 

Dyspepsia 136 

Eclecticism 112 

Education, influence of on 
health and physical de- 
velopment 28 

Environments 55 

Ether 88 

Erysipelas 158 

Excesses 90 

Flux 131 

Fissure of anus 129 

Fistula of anus 129 

Fruits 41 

Grip 170 

Grippe 170 

Headache 135 

Homeopathy 112 

Hook-worm 93 



222 Ind 

Hydropathy 113 

Hygiene, auxiliaries of 58 

Hypnotism 120 

Imagination 75, 115 

Influence of civilization 85 

Influenece of Education on 
physical development ... 28 

Influence of locality 83 

Indigestion 136 

Injections ... 58 

La Grippe 170 

Loss of appetite 127 

Malaria 148 

Massage 60 

Matrimony 32 

Meat 41 

Measles 153 

Medical quack and pretender. 191 

Medication 114 

Medicine vender 193 

Micro-organism 94 

Microbes 94 

Milk 39 

Morphine 88 

Mosquitoes 91 

Nature's cure 106 

Obstetrician 187 

Occupation 50 

Old age 177 

Opium 88 

Files 128 

Physical culture 25 

Poison vine eruption 144 

Premature mental develop- 
ment 198 

Pretender 191 

Physician 179 

Physical degeneration of the 
human race 195 



ex 

Public supervision of health. 66 
Pulmonary tuberculosis, ac- 
quirement of 168 

QuacK and pretender 191 

Rearing of children 17 

Recreation 50 

Rheumatism 140 

Salt 43 

School hygiene 22 

Scarlet fever 153 

Sensibility 75 

Sexual physiology, principles 

of 214 

Sick, care of 174 

Smallpox 158 

Spices 42 

Suggest ion 117 

Summer complaint of chil- 
dren 132 

Superstition 116 

Supposed causes of disease.. 91 

Surgeon 183 

Specialist 1*9 

Specific diseases 148 

Sterility 219 

Tapeworm 145 

Tea 45 

Tobacco 89 

Tuberculosis 159 

Typhoid fever 159 

Vaccination 61 

Vegetables 42 

Vinegar 42 

Water 43 

Whisky 87 

Wine 88 

Whooping-cough 157 



1 -1S05 



